Sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof

ABSTRACT

A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual&#39;s performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly owned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/892,023, titled “Sports Electronic Training System WithElectronic Gaming Features, And Applications Thereof,” filed on the sameday herewith, and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/889,978, titled “Sports Electronic Training System With Sport Ball,And Applications Thereof,” filed on the same day herewith, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sports electronics. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a sports electronictraining system with electronic gaming features, and applicationsthereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and individualwell-being. Accordingly, many individuals want to participate in anexercise program. The most successful exercise programs are onestailored to a fitness level of an individual and aimed at assisting theindividual to achieve one or more specific fitness or exercise goals.

Sports trainers, as well as other exercise and fitness professionals,are available to assist individuals in developing exercise programsappropriate for their individual fitness levels and their specificfitness or exercise goals. Hiring such professionals, however, can beexpensive. Furthermore, the busy schedules of many individuals make itdifficult for these individuals to set aside time to meet with anexercise and fitness professional on a routine basis. Thus, manyindividuals forego using the services of exercise and fitnessprofessionals, and they never achieve the benefits that can be obtainedfrom an exercise program tailored, for example, to one's fitness level.

What is needed are new systems and methods that make it easier forindividuals to exercise at a level appropriate for their fitness, andwhich enable individuals to achieve specific fitness or exercise goals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a sports electronic training system, andapplications thereof. In an embodiment, the system comprises at leastone monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receivingdata from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to anindividual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motionmonitor that determines an individual's performance such as, forexample, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors mightinclude a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, ahydration monitor, an ionization monitor, et cetera. In embodiments, thefeedback provided can be audio feedback, visual feedback and/orbiofeedback. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronicgame based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects,for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action withinthe game, or a game score of the electronic game.

In an embodiment, the functionality of the sports electronic trainingsystem is enhanced by including a satellite-based positioning systemreceiver in the portable electronic processing device and/or by enablingthe portable electronic processing device to interact with other devicesand applications, for example, using the Internet.

It is a feature of the present invention that it can assess a fitnesslevel for an individual. It is also a feature of the present inventionthat it can provide feedback to an individual, for example, aimed atassisting the individual to achieve one or more specific fitness orexercise goals.

Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention,as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of thepresent invention, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention and, togetherwith the description, further serve to explain the principles of theinvention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to makeand use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a runner using a sports electronic trainingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating selected components of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2B-C are diagrams of an example mobile phone having a sportsoperating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2D-F are diagrams of additional example portable electronicprocessing devices that have a sports operating mode according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a more detailed diagram of a first example portableelectronic processing device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3B is a more detailed diagram of a second example portableelectronic processing device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of an example motion monitor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4B-C are diagrams that illustrate how the motion monitor of FIG.4A operates.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example heart rate monitor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a shoe having a motion monitor inserted into arecess in the sole of the shoe according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a shoe having a motion monitor mounted on anexternal portion of the shoe.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of an example motion monitor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a diagram of an example mounting device for a motion monitoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6E is a diagram of a motion monitor that has an examplewinged-battery cap for mounting the motion monitor on a shoe accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6F is a diagram that shows the motion monitor of FIG. 6E mounted ona shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6G is a diagram of a motion monitor that has a second examplewinged-battery cap for mounting the motion monitor on a shoe accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6H is a diagram that further illustrates the motion monitor andwing-battery cap of FIG. 6G.

FIG. 6I is a diagram of a third example winged-battery cap for a motionmonitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6J is a diagram of a fourth example winged-battery cap for a motionmonitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a heart rate monitor with built in sensors fordetermining percent body fat according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a heart rate/percent body fat monitor accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a first portable electronic processing deviceinteracting with a computer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a second portable electronic processing deviceinteracting with a computer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11A is a diagram of a first portable electronic processing deviceinteracting with a computer and a web server according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a diagram of a second portable electronic processing deviceinteracting with a computer and a web server according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example portable electronic processing deviceinteracting with exercise machines according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example portable electronic processing devicethat includes virtual trainer functionality according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a diagram that illustrates workout features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14B is a table that illustrates example feedback provided by asport training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15A-D are diagrams that illustrate example customizable parameterdisplays for a sports electronic training system according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 15E-G are tables that illustrate examples of how to calculatecalories burned while exercising according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16-18 are diagrams that illustrate a method for creating a workoutusing a sports electronic training system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram that illustrates music features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram that illustrates photo features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram that illustrates calendar features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 22-23 are diagrams that illustrate an interaction between workoutand calendar features of a sports electronic training system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram that illustrates the selection of settings for aportable electronic processing device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram that illustrates one method for inputting andupdating personal data for a sports electronic training system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram that illustrates one method for assessing a fitnesslevel with a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of an example table used to determine a fitnesslevel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram that illustrates component identification featuresof a sports electronic training system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram that illustrates setting telephone features of asports electronic training system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 30-32 are diagrams that illustrate setting virtual trainerfeatures of a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram that illustrates pedometer features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 34-36 are diagrams that illustrate music features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 37-40 are diagrams that illustrate virtual training features of asports electronic training system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 41 is a diagram that illustrates sport balls having motion monitorsthat communicate with a portable electronic processing device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a diagram that illustrates a multi-sensor monitor accordingto an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 43 is a diagram that illustrates using components of the presentinvention to monitor a sports player and a sport ball.

FIGS. 44 and 45 are diagrams that illustrate using components of thepresent invention for electronic gaming.

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The drawing in which an element first appears is typicallyindicated by the leftmost digit or digits in the corresponding referencenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a sports electronic training system, andapplications thereof. In the detailed description of the invention thatfollows, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exampleembodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodimentmay not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring tothe same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it issubmitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art toeffect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection withother embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a runner 101 using a sports electronic trainingsystem 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Asdepicted in FIG. 1, in an embodiment, training system 100 includes afirst portable electronic processing device 102, a motion monitor 104, aheart rate monitor 106, and a second portable electronic processingdevice 110. First portable electronic processing device 102, motionmonitor 104, heart rate monitor 106, and second portable electronicprocessing device 110 communicate using a low-power wirelesscommunications protocol and form part of a wireless personal areanetwork (WPAN).

Portable electronic processing device 102 is shown worn on an arm ofrunner 101. In addition to being worn on an arm, portable electronicprocessing device 102 can be worn somewhere else on the runner's bodysuch as, for example, on the runner's hip. Portable electronicprocessing device 102 can also be carried, for example, in a waist packor a backpack.

In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 102 is a devicesuch as, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA)or a music file player (e.g., an MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) music fileplayer) that includes a sports operating mode. Portable electronicprocessing device 102 typically acts as a WPAN receiver. It receivesdata from other components of training system 100 and provides trainingfeedback to runner 101. In an embodiment, feedback is provided to runner101 using earphones 108 that are plugged into portable electronicprocessing device 102. In one embodiment, portable electronic processingdevice 102 is used with wireless earphones (e.g., earphones that arecapable of receiving wireless communications from portable electronicprocessing device 102).

Motion monitor 104 is shown as located in a shoe 105 worn by runner 101.In an embodiment, motion monitor 104 includes an accelerometer anddetermines performance parameters such as, for example, the speed, thepace, the stride rate, and the stride length of runner 101. Motionmonitor 104 is also capable of determining, for example, the totaldistance traveled by runner 101 during a workout run. Motion monitor 104typically acts as a WPAN transmitter.

In embodiments, motion monitor 104 is located in a location other thanin shoe 105. For example, in an embodiment, motion monitor 104 islocated on an exterior portion of a shoe. Furthermore, in embodiments,motion monitor 104 is located on other parts of a person's body such as,for example, on a person's hand, wrist, arm, hip, et cetera, to measuremovement of the person.

Heart rate monitor 106 determines the heart rate of runner 101. In anembodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, heart rate monitor 106 isincorporated into or attached to clothing worn by runner 101. In anotherembodiment, heart rate monitor 106 is worn by runner 101 using, forexample, a chest strap. Heart rate monitor 106 typically acts as a WPANtransmitter.

Portable electronic processing device 110 is shown worn on a wrist ofrunner 101. In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 110is a device such as, for example, a watch that includes a sportsoperating mode. Portable electronic processing device 110 typically actsas a WPAN receiver. It receives data from other components of trainingsystem 100 and provides training feedback to runner 101. In anembodiment, feedback is provided to runner 101 visually using a display.In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 110 acts as atransmitter and transmits information to components of training system100.

FIG. 2A is a diagram further illustrating selected components of sportselectronic training system 100 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. These components include a mobile phone 202 having earphones207 and a sports operating mode, a sports shirt 203 having an integralor attachable heart rate monitor 106 a, a sports bra having an integralor attachable heart rate monitor 106 b, an athletic shoe 205 thatincludes a motion monitor 104, a heart rate monitor 106 c integral orattached to a chest strap 206, and a sports watch 210.

As illustrated by FIG. 2A, sports electronic training system 100 is amodular system of interconnected and interactive components andproducts. These components and products may be acquired individually andover time as desired.

In an embodiment, mobile phone 202 includes all of the functionalitytypically available in a cell phone, and it is capable of playing musicfiles (e.g., MP3 music files). In addition, mobile phone 202 includes asports operating mode. When placed in sports operating mode, selectedbuttons and keys of mobile phone 202 are used to select sports modefunctions. These sports mode functions are described in detail below,for example, with reference to FIGS. 13-33.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are more detailed diagrams of mobile phone 202. As shownin these figures, in an embodiment, mobile phone 202 is a flip-typemobile phone. FIG. 2B depicts mobile phone 202 in a closed position.FIG. 2C depicts mobile phone 202 in an open position.

As shown in FIG. 2B, mobile phone 202 has a user input control 215 inthe middle of flip top 212 that includes four input options. User inputcontrol 215 is intended to be used primarily when mobile phone 202 is ina mode other than sports operating mode. Mobile phone 202 also has fourlarge input buttons 220 a-d. Input buttons 220 a-d are active whenmobile phone 202 is in sports operating mode and a rotating ring 230 ispositioned in a sports lock position. The large input buttons 220 a-dmake it easy, for example, for runner 101 to provide input to mobilephone 202 without having to physically look at the input buttons 220a-d. This enables runner 101, for example, to wear mobile phone 202 onan arm and use the input buttons while running.

The operating mode of mobile phone 202 can be selected using a button225 on a side of mobile phone 202. In an embodiment, pressing button 225cycles mobile phone 202 through its various operating modes. Mobilephone 202 also includes an earphone jack 235. This permits mobile phone202 to be used with earphones, for example, when runner 101 isexercising and/or listening to music.

As shown in FIG. 2C, a second user input control 250 is available whenmobile phone 202 is in an open position. User input control 250duplicates the user input features noted above. When mobile phone 202 isopen, information can be provided to a user on a display 255.

In an embodiment, when mobile phone 202 is placed in sports operatingmode (e.g., by pressing button 225), mobile phone 202 identifies andbegins communicating with other components of sports electronic trainingsystem 100 to form a WPAN. This is accomplished by mobile phone 202listening for transmissions, for example, from motion monitor 104, heartrate monitor 106, and watch 210. When mobile phone 202 receives atransmission from motion monitor 104 and/or heart rate monitor 106, forexample, mobile phone 202 sends a return message that causes motionmonitor 104 and/or heart rate monitor 106 to activate its sensor, if notalready active, and to start transmitting performance data. Onceestablished, the WPAN formed among the components of sports electronictraining system 100 continues to operate until mobile phone 202 isplaced in an operating mode other than sports operating mode. Thiscauses mobile phone 202 to transmit a message to motion monitor 104and/or heart rate monitor 106 that indicates to these devices that theymay enter a low power mode and de-active their sensors in embodiments ofthese devices that include a low power mode of operation.

FIGS. 2D-F are diagrams of additional example portable electronicprocessing devices that have a sports operating mode according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D shows a mobile phone 270. Mobile phone 270 has a display 272 anda user input control 274 that is similar to user input control 250described above.

FIG. 2E shows a portable electronic processing device 280 that includesa clip-on strap 282. Clip-on strap 282 permits portable electronicprocessing device 280 to be worn on an arm of a user, for example,during workouts. In an embodiment, a user can provide inputs to portableelectronic processing device 280 by tapping on it when the device is insports operating mode. For example, in an embodiment, tapping portableelectronic processing device 280 twice when it is in sports operatingmode activates a programmable soft key that prompts portable electronicprocessing device 280 to provide audible training feedback. As describedin more detail below, the specific type of feedback provided isuser-selectable. Additional programmable soft keys can be activated, forexample, by tapping portable electronic processing device 280 three,four, or more times in a row. In one embodiment, tapping the device isused to record a change in a runner's direction (e.g., when a runner isrunning back-and-forth between points on a field).

FIG. 2F is a diagram of a portable electronic processing device 290.Portable electronic processing device 290 has a large display 292 thatincludes several touch-screen keys. A user provides inputs to portableelectronic processing device 290 by touching one of the keys shown ondisplay 292.

As illustrated by example portable electronic processing devices 270,280, and 290, as well as other portable electronic processing devicesdescribed herein, the present invention is flexible and can be used withpractically any portable electronic processing device. Accordingly, thepresent invention is not limited to only the devices described herein.

Referring to FIG. 2A again, athletic shoe 205 is preferably a shoeappropriate for the sport in which a user is engaged. In the case ofrunner 101, shoe 205 is preferably an athletic shoe built for running.In an embodiment, shoe 205 is specifically adapted to include motionmonitor 104, for example, by having a recess in its sole that acceptsmotion monitor 104. Motion monitor 104 is preferably capable of beingplaced into the recess and removed from the recess by a user. Thisallows motion monitor 104 to be used, for example, with more than onepair of shoes.

In an embodiment, motion monitor 104 has two operating modes, an activemode and a low-power mode. In the active mode, motion monitor 104periodically transmits a message that includes a device typeidentification value, a unique serial number identification value, andperformance data based on input from an accelerometer. The device typeidentification value identifies, to a receiving device, the type ofmonitor from which the message was sent (e.g., a motion monitor 104 or aheart rate monitor 106). This enables the receiving device to know howthe message is to be decoded. The unique serial number identificationvalue enables the receiving device to determine whether the receivedmessage is from a device that is a part of the WPAN to which thereceiving device belongs. The unique serial number identification valueensures, for example, that when multiple runners are running in a closegroup, mobile phone 202 only processes data from the motion monitorassociated with one runner (e.g., the motion monitor that is a part ofthe WPAN controlled by mobile phone 202).

In low-power mode, the accelerometer and other non-essential componentsof motion monitor 104 are powered-down to conserve battery power. Inthis mode, motion monitor 104 still periodically transmits a messagethat contains a device type identification value and a unique serialnumber identification value. Because the accelerometer and othercomponents are not functioning in low-power mode, no performance data istransmitted in low-power mode.

Immediately after each broadcast, whether in active mode or in low-powermode, motion monitor 104 turns on a receiver and listens for a message,for example, from mobile phone 202. If mobile phone 202 is in a modeother than sports mode, no message will be received and after a shortperiod of time, motion monitor 104 can power-down its receiver untilafter its next transmission. If motion monitor 104 is in a low-powermode, and mobile phone 202 has been recently switched to sportsoperating mode, mobile phone 202 will send motion monitor 104 a messagedirecting motion monitor 104 to switch from low-power mode to activemode. When motion monitor 104 receives this message, it will power upits components such as, for example, its accelerometer and start sendingperformance data as part of its periodic transmissions. Once in activemode, motion monitor 104 remains in active mode until it receives amessage from mobile phone 202 telling motion monitor 104 it may returnto a low-power mode.

In one embodiment, mobile phone 202 is required to periodically send amessage to motion monitor 104 telling motion monitor 104 to remain inactive mode. If after a predetermined period of time or number oftransmissions by motion monitor 104, no such message is received frommobile phone 202, motion monitor 104 will assume that mobile phone 202has been turned-off, and motion monitor 104 will switch to low-powermode.

In some embodiments of the present invention, communications protocolsother than that described above are used. There are a number of knownstandard protocols and proprietary protocols that are suitable forimplementing a WPAN. Accordingly, the present invention is not limitedto using any particular protocol to communicate among the variouscomponents of sports electronic training system 100.

As shown in FIG. 2A, sports shirt 203 has an integral or attachableheart rate monitor 106 a. Heart rate monitor 106 a determines a heartrate for a wearer of sports shirt 203 and communicates this information,for example, to mobile phone 202. In an embodiment, heart rate monitor106 a communicates with mobile phone 202 in a manner similar to thatdescribed herein with regard to motion monitor 104.

Sports bra 204 also has an integral or attachable heart rate monitor 106b. Similar to heart rate monitor 106 a of sports shirt 203, heart ratemonitor 106 b of sports bra 204 determines a heart rate for a wearer ofsports bra 204 and communicates this information, for example, to mobilephone 202. In an embodiment, heart rate monitor 106 b communicates withmobile phone 202 in a manner similar to that described herein withregard to motion monitor 104.

Heart rate monitor 106 c is integral or attached to a chest strap 206.The monitor is worn around a user's chest in the conventional manner.Heart rate monitor 106 c determines a heart rate for a wearer andcommunicates this information, for example, to mobile phone 202. In anembodiment, heart rate monitor 106 c communicates with mobile phone 202in a manner similar to that described herein with regard to motionmonitor 104.

Sports watch 210 is similar to mobile phone 202 in that it has a sportsoperating mode in which it can receive messages from motion monitor 104and/or heart rate monitor 106 and provide visual feedback to a user.Sports watch 210, however, typically does not have as much memory and/orprocessing power as mobile phone 202. Accordingly, sports watch 210 maynot retain all of the data it receives from motion monitor 104 and/orheart rate monitor 106 during a workout for subsequent download to acomputer, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, sportswatch 210 communicates with motion monitor 104 and/or heart rate monitor106 in a manner similar to that described herein with regard to mobilephone 202.

In an embodiment, sports watch 210 acts as a controller for a portableelectronic processing device such as, for example, a mobile phone, anMP3 music file player and/or a PDA. This allows the portable electronicprocessing device to be carried, for example, in a pocket or a backpackand still be fully controlled by sports watch 210 using wirelesscommunications.

It should be noted that while watch 210 is described herein as a sportswatch, the present invention is not limited to sports watches. Watchesother than a sport watch can be used.

In an embodiment, a portable electronic processing device such as, forexample, a mobile phone, an MP3 music file player and/or a PDA iscontrolled using soft keys/switches that are integrated into a garment(e.g., a running shirt or jacket). The garment allows the portableelectronic processing device to be carried or worn underneath thegarment and still be fully controlled by the garment. This isparticularly beneficial, for example, in the winter when jackets arerequired for outdoor sport activities. In an embodiment, the garmentalso has an integrated display (e.g., on a sleeve in the example of arunning jacket).

In one embodiment, the watchband of sports watch 210 has a movingdisplay zone (e.g., one that moves along the band), which is alwayspositioned for viewing by a wearer. The watchband can also include apressure device to provide biofeedback to the wearer. In an embodiment,the feedback provided includes, for example, pressure pulsations thatcorrespond to a stride rate goal. The wearer adjusts his or her striderate to match the pressure pulsations. The pulsations are only provided,in one embodiment, when the wearer is running above or below the striderate goal.

In embodiments of the present invention, forms of biofeedback other thanpressure pulsations can be used to provide feedback. The biofeedback canalso be applied to an area other than an individual's wrist.

In an embodiment, arrows displayed on a watchband of a sports watchindicate which way a wearer of the watch should run (e.g., the arrowsprovide navigation information to the wearer, for example, usingsatellite-based positioning system location data and mappinginformation). In another embodiment, a laser embodied in a component ofthe sports electronic training system projects a spot of light, forexample, onto a runner's hand or arm, or on the ground in front of therunner, to indicate to the runner which way to run. In an embodiment,the projecting laser also provides performance information such as, forexample, heart rate, pace, distance, et cetera. This information can beprojected, for example, onto the ground in front of a runner.

FIG. 3A is a more detailed diagram of a first example portableelectronic processing device 300 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In an embodiment, portable electronic processingdevice 300 corresponds to a mobile phone such as, for example, mobilephone 202. As shown in FIG. 3A, portable electronic processing device300 includes a processor 302, memory 304, a user input control 306, adisplay 308, an audio unit 310, a transceiver 312, a cellulartransceiver 316, an optional satellite-based positioning system receiver305, a camera 309, and a battery 320.

Processor 302 is a conventional processor capable of implementingapplication programs stored in memory 304. Processor 302 is also capableof implementing digital signal processing algorithms. Processor 302 iscoupled to memory 304, user input control 306, display 308, audio unit310, transceiver 312, and cellular transceiver 316.

Memory 304 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 304 stores programs, for example, used toimplement all of the functionality of a typical mobile phone as well asa program to play music files and one or more programs used to implementaspects of the functionality of sports electronic training system 100described herein. In an embodiment, memory 304 includes both read onlymemory and random access memory.

User input control 306 is used by an individual to interact withportable electronic processing device 300. In an embodiment, user inputcontrol 306 includes a variety of input buttons and/or keys. Thefunction of each of these buttons and/or keys is typically determinedbased on an operating mode of portable electronic processing device 300.In one embodiment, user input control 306 includes a touch pad or scrollpad and/or touch screen buttons.

Display 308 is used to display information to a user. In an embodiment,display 308 is a liquid crystal display.

Camera 309 is a small digital camera used to take digital photos. In oneembodiment, camera 309 is a CCD camera. In another embodiment, camera309 is a CMOS camera.

Audio unit 310 is used to process audio signals. In an embodiment, voicesignals picked up using a microphone are converted to digital signals sothat they can be operated upon, for example, by processor 302. Audiounit 310 also converts, for example, digital audio signals intoamplified analog audio signals that can be used to drive one or morespeakers. In an embodiment, audio unit 310 implements signal processingalgorithms such as those available from Dolby Laboratories, Inc., whichenhance the quality of music.

Transceiver 312 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of sports electronic training system 100. In anembodiment, transceiver 312 operates in an unlicensed frequency bandsuch as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver 312 is coupled to an antenna 314. As usedherein, the term transceiver means a combination of a transmitter and areceiver. In an embodiment, the transmitter and the receiver areintegrated and form, for example, a part of an intergraded circuit.

Cellular transceiver 316 is used to send and receive, for example, voicecellular telephone signals. Transceiver 316 can also be used to exchangeinformation with a computer network such as, for example, the Internet.Cellular transceiver 316 is coupled to an antenna 318. As used herein,the term cellular transceiver means a combination of a cellulartransmitter and a cellular receiver. In an embodiment, the transmitterand the receiver are integrated together into a single device.

In one embodiment, cellular transceiver 316 is used to send datadescribed herein to a location where it is analyzed, for example, by aprofessional trainer. The professional trainer can call or text messagethe individual and provide the individual real-time feedback based onthe data. If the individuals wants to call the professional trainer, forexample, during a workout, the individual can place a call to theprofessional trainer, for example, by tapping device 300 to place a callto a stored telephone number. In one embodiment, tapping device 300sends a text message to the professional trainer requesting that theprofessional trainer call the individual.

Battery 320 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof portable electronic processing device 300. In an embodiment, battery320 is recharged periodically using a power adapter that plugs into atypical household power outlet. Battery 320 can also be anon-rechargeable battery.

In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 300 alsoincludes an optional satellite-based positioning system (e.g., globalpositioning system (GPS) or Galileo system) receiver 305. This enablesportable electronic processing device 300 to determine its locationanywhere on the earth. The satellite-based positioning system (e.g.,GPS) receiver 305 is coupled to an antenna 307.

In an embodiment, GPS receiver 305 enables the portable electronicprocessing device, for example, to provide navigational instructions toa runner using the device. The directions for a running route can bedownloaded to the portable electronic processing device prior to a runand stored in memory 304. In addition to navigational instructions,attributes about the running route such as, for example, whether theroute has sidewalks, is on a trail, is located within a safeneighborhood, et cetera, can also be downloaded and viewed.

GPS receiver 305 can be used, in an embodiment, to track a route run bya runner. The route can be saved in memory 304 and viewed by the runnerafter the run. The route can also be shared with other runners, forexample, by posting the route on a computer/web server for down-loadingby other runners.

In an embodiment, GPS receiver 305 and information stored in the memoryof portable electronic processing device 300 (or information received,e.g., from the internet using cellular transceiver 316) are used toprovide navigational instructions, for example, to a runner. In anembodiment, the runner can enter into portable electronic processingdevice 300 that he or she would like to run five kilometers, forexample, and the portable electronic processing device willautomatically select/map-out an appropriate route and provide navigationinstructions to the runner during the run. In an embodiment, the runnercan specify both a start point and a stop point for the run. In anembodiment, only one point is specified, which serves as both the startpoint and the stop point. In an embodiment, the start and stop pointsare the point at which the runner is standing (e.g., as determined byGPS receiver 305) when the runner enters, for example, that he or shewould like to run five kilometers.

In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 300 includes aradio. The radio can be an AM only radio, an FM only radio, or both anAM and FM radio. In an embodiment, the radio is controlled using softkeys presented to a user on display 308.

In one embodiment, portable electronic processing device 300 includesoptional sensors (not shown) for detecting selected weather related datasuch as, for example, temperature, humidity, ultra-violet radiationand/or barometric pressure. This data can be used, for example, todetermine how an individual's performance is effected by environmentalfactors.

In one embodiment, a portable electronic processing device according tothe present invention does not include a display. In this embodiment,information such as, for example, performance and/or feedbackinformation is provided to a user audibly during a workout. Theinformation can be display to the user, for example, after the workoutusing a computer display once the information has been transferred tothe computer. In an embodiment, the information can be transferred to asecond processing device such as, for example, a sports watch during theworkout and displayed to the user during the workout on the display ofthe second processing device.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of an example portable electronic processing device350 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In anembodiment, portable electronic processing device 350 corresponds to adevice such as, for example, a PDA device, MP3 player, or an electronicwatch having a sports operating mode. As shown in FIG. 3B, portableelectronic processing device 350 includes a processor 352, memory 354, auser input control 356, a display 358, an audio unit 360, a transceiver362, and a battery 366.

Processor 352 is a conventional processor capable of implementingapplication programs stored in memory 354. Processor 352 is also capableof implementing digital signal processing algorithms. Processor 352 iscoupled to memory 354, user input control 356, display 358, audio unit360, and transceiver 362.

Memory 354 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 354 stores programs, for example, used toimplement all of the functionality of a typical PDA, MP3 player, orelectronic watch and one or more programs used to implement aspects ofthe functionality of sports electronic training system 100 describedherein. In an embodiment, memory 354 includes both read only memory andrandom access memory.

User input control 356 is used by an individual to interact withportable electronic processing device 350. In an embodiment, user inputcontrol 356 includes a variety of input buttons and/or keys. Thefunction of each of these buttons and/or keys is typically determinedbased on an operating mode of portable electronic processing device 350.In one embodiment, user input control 356 includes a touch pad or scrollpad and/or touch screen buttons.

Display 358 is used to display information to a user. In an embodiment,display 358 is a liquid crystal display.

Audio unit 360 is used to process audio signals. In an embodiment, audiounit 360 converts, for example, digital audio signals into amplifiedanalog audio signals that can be used to drive one or more speakers. Inan embodiment, audio unit 360 implements signal processing algorithmssuch as those available from Dolby Laboratories, Inc., which enhance thequality of music.

Transceiver 362 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of sports electronic training system 100. In anembodiment, transceiver 362 operates in an unlicensed frequency bandsuch as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver 362 is coupled to an antenna 364.

Battery 366 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof portable electronic processing device 350. In an embodiment, battery366 is recharged periodically using a power adapter that plugs into atypical household power outlet. Battery 366 can also be anon-rechargeable battery.

In embodiments, a portable electronic processing device according to thepresent invention can be formed, for example, by attaching a dongle(e.g., a small hardware device that protects software) to a conventionalphone, a music file player, a personal digital assistant, et cetera. Thedongle includes, for example, downloadable software that implements someor all of the sport functions described herein. In an embodiment, thesoftware includes a sport user interface written in the Java programminglanguage. In an embodiment, the software includes drivers, for example,that enable the software to be used with any ultra low power Bluetoothcommunications protocol compatible device. Other embodiments arecompatible with other communications protocol compatible devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a portable electronicprocessing device according to the present invention is a dedicateddevice (rather than a device such as, for example, a phone, a music fileplayer, or a personal digital assistant) that implements the sportselectronic training functions described herein.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of an example motion monitor 400 according to anembodiment of the present invention. Motion monitor 400 represents oneembodiment for the motion monitors described above. As shown in FIG. 4A,motion monitor 400 includes a processor 402, memory 404, an accelerationsensor 406, a transceiver 408, and a battery 410.

Processor 402 is a conventional processor such as, for example, amicrocontroller capable of implementing application programs stored inmemory 404. Processor 402 is coupled to memory 404, acceleration sensor406, and transceiver 408.

Memory 404 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 404 stores programs, for example, used togenerate performance data from data output by acceleration sensor 406.In an embodiment, memory 404 includes both read only memory and randomaccess memory.

In an embodiment, acceleration sensor 406 is an electronic accelerometerthat measures acceleration in one or more axes. The one or more axesprovide a stream of acceleration data that correspond, for example, tothe motion of a runner's foot whenever motion monitor 400 is attached toa runner's shoe.

Transceiver 408 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of sports electronic training system 100. In anembodiment, transceiver 408 operates in an unlicensed frequency bandsuch as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver 408 is coupled to an antenna 412.

Battery 410 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof motion monitor 400. In an embodiment, battery 410 is either arechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery that must beperiodically replaced (e.g. every one to two years or longer).

In an embodiment, processor 402 operates on data provided byacceleration sensor 406 to generate performance data such as, forexample, the speed, the pace, the stride rate, the stride length, andthe total distance traveled by a runner. The performance data istransmitted using transceiver 408 for reception by a portable electronicprocessing device such as, for example, portable electronic processingdevice 300 and/or portable electronic processing device 350.

In one embodiment, motion monitor 400 generates performance data asfollows. Processor 402 low-pass filters and examines the stream ofoutput values generated by one axis of acceleration sensor 406 (e.g., anaxis aligned with the heel-to-toe axis of an individual) to identify amaximum acceleration value and/or a minimum acceleration value for eachstride of an individual. The average speed of the individual during eachstride is then calculated by processor 402 using an appropriatealgorithm stored in memory 404. This is possible because the averagespeed of an individual (whether running or walking) is proportional tothe maximum and minimum acceleration values that occur during eachstride of the individual. Why this is so is illustrated, for example, byFIGS. 4B and 4C.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are diagrams that illustrate how motion monitor 400determines performance data such as, for example, the speed, the pace,the stride rate, the stride length, and the total distance traveled byan individual in an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4B, an individual's leg has a specific movement patternduring each stride relative to the direction in which the individual istraveling (e.g., direction X). At a time period 420, for example, thebeginning of a stride, the foot of one leg of an individual is plantedfirmly on the ground and is not moving in the direction of travel. Sincethere is no movement of the foot, there is also no acceleration in thedirection of travel. As the individual's hips and upper body moveforward in the direction of travel at a speed S_(X), the upper portionof the individual's leg begins to move forward at a time period 422relative to the direction in which the individual is traveling, whilethe lower portion of the individual's leg begins to move backwardsrelative to the direction of travel. This generates a negativeacceleration in the direction of travel that is detected by a first axis(e.g., the X axis) of acceleration sensor 406.

At a later point in time during the stride, time period 424 in FIG. 4B,the upper portion of the individual's leg is still moving forwardrelative to the direction of travel when the lower portion of theindividual's leg begins to move forward relative to the direction oftravel of the individual. This generates a positive acceleration in thedirection of travel of the individual that is detected by the first axisof acceleration sensor 406.

At a time period 426 during the stride, the upper portion of theindividual's leg has stopped moving forward relative to the direction oftravel while the lower portion of the individual's leg is continuing tomove forward relative to the direction of travel of the individual. Thisstage of the stride also generates a positive acceleration in thedirection of travel of the individual that is detected by the axis ofacceleration sensor 406.

Finally, at the end of the stride, time period 428 in FIG. 4B, theindividual's foot is again firmly planted on the ground. There is nomovement of the foot in the direction of travel at this time period, andthe acceleration along the first axis is zero.

FIG. 4C illustrates an idealized, filtered output of acceleration sensor406 of motion monitor 400 corresponding to the stride of an individual(e.g., whether running or walking). As depicted, there is a period ofnegative acceleration having a minimum acceleration value and a periodof positive acceleration having a maximum acceleration value during eachstride. Using this information, the average speed of the individual inthe direction of travel during the stride is given, for example, byequation 1 below:S _(X) =K ₁ {fx ₁(A _(max) ,T ₃ −T ₂)}+K ₂  EQ. 1where S_(X) is the average speed for the stride, K₁ is a proportionalityconstant, fx₁ is a function involving Amax (the maximum accelerationvalue generated during the stride processed through a low pass filter)and T₃−T₂ (the period of positive acceleration), and K₂ is an adjustmentconstant. The values K₁ and K₂ are empirical values that are determinedexperimentally, and in an embodiment they are different for differentranges of speed (e.g., one set of values is used if an individual iswalking and another set of values is used if the individual is running).The function fx₁ is determined experimentally, and in embodiments can bea higher order (e.g., a second order or a third order) equation.

In one embodiment, the value(s) for K₁ and/or K₂ are initiallydetermined, for example, based on an input length for a user's leg(e.g., measured from the knee to the heel) or an input height for theuser (e.g., using an assumption that the length of the leg is somefraction of the height).

In an embodiment, the value(s) for K₁ and/or K₂ are determined and/orupdated by having the user run a known distance and using this knowndistance to determine and/or update the value(s) for K₁ and/or K₂.

As noted herein, it is possible to determine the average speed for thestride using the minimum acceleration value. This is done, for example,using equation 2 below:S _(X) =K ₃ {fx ₂(A _(min) ,T ₂ −T ₁)}+K ₄  EQ. 2where S_(X) is the average speed for the stride, K₃ is a proportionalityconstant, fx₂ is a function involving A_(min) (the minimum accelerationvalue generated during the stride processed through a low pass filter)and T₂−T₁ (the period of negative acceleration), and K₄ is an adjustmentconstant. The values K₃ and K₄ and the function fx₂ are determinedexperimentally. In embodiments, the function fx₂ can be a higher order(e.g., a second order or a third order) equation.

In one embodiment, the average speed is calculated by combiningequations 1 and 2 and forming a third equation for the average speedduring a stride. This third equation is:S _(X) =K ₁ {fx ₁(A _(max),(T ₃ −T ₂)}−K ₃ {fx ₂(A _(min),(T ₂ −T ₁)}+K₂₊₄  EQ. 3where S_(X) is the average speed for the stride, K₁ and K₂ areproportionality constants, fx₁ is a function involving Amax (the maximumacceleration value generated during the stride processed through a lowpass filter) and T₃−T₂ (the period of positive acceleration), fx₂ is afunction involving A_(min) (the minimum acceleration value generatedduring the stride processed through a low pass filter) and T₂−T₁ (theperiod of negative acceleration), and K₂₊₄ is an adjustment constant.The values K₁, K₃ and K₂₊₄ and the functions fx₁ and fx₂ are determinedexperimentally. In embodiments, the functions fx₁ and fx₂ can be higherorder (e.g., second order or third order) equations.

Using the information provided herein, it is possible to develop otheralgorithms for determining the average speed during a stride. Forexample, the output of more than one axes of acceleration sensor 406 canbe used, in which the output values would be combined using, forexample, a square root of the sum of the squares approach. Accordingly,the present invention is not limited to using just the algorithmsdescribed herein.

Once the average speed for each stride is calculated, calculating otherperformance parameters is possible. For example, the distance traveledduring each stride (e.g., stride length) is given by equation 4 below:D _(X) =S _(X)(T ₃ −T ₁)  EQ. 4where D_(X) is the stride length, S_(X) is the average speed during thestride, and T₃−T₁ is the time of a single stride. Stride rate isdetermined by dividing 1 minute by T₃−T₁ to determine the number ofstrides per minute. The total distance traveled by the individual is thesum of all stride lengths. Pace is calculated, for example, by invertingthe average speed value and adjusting the unit to obtain a desired timeper distance value (e.g., minutes per kilometer, minute per mile, etcetera).

It is to be noted that while the values for K₁ and K₂ can be determinedand selected based on information provide by a user (e.g., by asking auser to provide the length of his or her leg or his or her height), itis desirable to have the individual walk or run a particular knowndistance and use this information to adjust the values for K₁ and K₂(i.e., to calibrate motion monitor 400 for the particular user). Doingthis leads to improved accuracy. Additionally, it may also be beneficialto have one set of K values that are used in an algorithm when a user iswalking and another set of K values that are used when the user isrunning. Whether the user is walking or running can be determined, forexample, using a threshold acceleration value. For example, if themaximum acceleration value detected is below a certain threshold, it isassumed that the user is walking. Otherwise, it is assumed the user isrunning.

In an embodiment, calibration of motion monitor 400 is performed using,for example, received GPS signals. The received GPS signals can be used,for example, to determine a distance that a user runs or walks during aworkout.

In one embodiment, motion monitors according to the present inventionare used to detect changes in an individual's direction of motion. Forexample, one or more motion monitors can be worn by a basketball playerand used to track the basketball player's forwards and backwards motionas well as side-to-side motion. In an embodiment, every basketballplayer's position on a basketball court during a basketball game can betracked using motion monitors and displayed, for example, for analysisby a coach. Motion monitors according to the present invention can alsobe worn by individuals and used to detect and/or track other motionssuch as, for example, motions associated with push-ups, pull-ups,weightlifting, diving, gymnastics, et cetera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example heart rate monitor 500 according to anembodiment of the present invention. Heart rate monitor 500 representsone embodiment for the example heart rate monitors described above. Asshown in FIG. 5, heart rate monitor 500 includes a processor 502, memory504, a heart rate sensor 506, a transceiver 508, and a battery 512.

Processor 502 is a conventional processor such as, for example, amicrocontroller capable of implementing application programs stored inmemory 504. Processor 502 is coupled to memory 504, heart rate sensor506, and transceiver 508.

Memory 504 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 504 stores programs, for example, used togenerate heart rate data from data output by heart rate sensor 506. Inan embodiment, memory 504 includes both read only memory and randomaccess memory.

Heart rate sensor 506 is an electronic sensor that detects heart beats.This data is provided to processor 502 and used to determine a heartbeat rate (e.g., number of beats per minute).

Transceiver 508 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of sports electronic training system 100. In anembodiment, transceiver 508 operates in an unlicensed frequency bandsuch as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver 508 is coupled to an antenna 510.

Battery 512 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof heart rate monitor 500. In an embodiment, battery 512 is either arechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery that must beperiodically replaced.

In one embodiment, heart rate can be monitored, for example, usingportable electronic processing device 300 and earphones plugged intodevice 300. In this embodiment, the heart rate sensors are integral tothe earphones, and because the earphones are worn on opposite sides ofthe user's heart, they can be used to detect heart beats. In anotherembodiment, heart rate is monitored using devices that clip onto auser's ear or a user's finger and determine heart rate by looking atblood flow. In embodiments, heart rate monitors can be used that cliponto products such as, for example, sunglasses.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a shoe 600 having a motion monitor 602 insertedinto a recess in sole 604 of shoe 600 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The recess positions motion monitor 602 in such a waythat a surface of the motion monitor's housing is parallel to and in theplane of the top of sole 604. Placing motion monitor 602 in the recessof sole 604 is desirable because, in an embodiment, one of theacceleration sensor axis of motion monitor 602 is parallel to the planeof the motion monitor's housing surface, and placing the motion monitorin this orientation may provide greater accuracy than other orientationssuch as, for example, attaching motion monitor 602 to an externalsurface of shoe 600. In an embodiment, the recess in the sole thathouses motion monitor 602 is located in the mid-foot region of shoe 600(e.g., where there is a minimum of flex of shoe 600).

FIG. 6B is a diagram of a shoe 606 having motion monitor 602 mounted onan external portion of shoe 606. As shown in FIG. 6B, motion monitor 602is mounted using a mounting device 608. Mounting device 608 is held ontothe top of shoe 606, for example, using shoe laces. Mounting device 608permits motion monitor 602 to be removed and inserted into the mountingdevice without taking the mounting device off of shoe 606.

FIG. 6C is a more detailed diagram of motion monitor 602 according to anembodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, motion monitor602 is enclosed in a hard plastic protective housing 620. A surface 621of motion monitor 602 includes a mark 622 that is used to ensure properorientation of motion monitor 602, for example, when it is inserted intoa shoe. In an embodiment, mark 622 should be oriented facing towards thetoe portion of the shoe. In other embodiments, however, the motionmonitor will work properly regardless of orientation.

A second surface 624 of motion monitor 602 includes a removable cap 626.In an embodiment, removable cap 626 is removed by turning it less than aquarter turn in one direction. Removable cap 626 provides access to abattery 628, which can be removed and replace with a fully chargedbattery, as needed. In an embodiment, battery 628 is a button typebattery.

FIG. 6D is a more detailed diagram of mounting device 608. In anembodiment, mounting device 608 is made of a semi-rigid plastic thatallows motion monitor 602 to be snapped into mounting device 608 andfirmly held in place. Mounting device 608 includes four clips 630 a-dthat hold motion monitor 602 in place. The mounting device can be placedon a shoe, for example, by slipping clips 630 a and 630 b under one ormore shoe laces so that the shoe laces rest on surface 632 of mountingdevice 608. In an embodiment, the surface of mounting device 608 thatrests on the shoe is textured to reduce any slippage that mightotherwise occur.

FIG. 6E is a diagram of a motion monitor 602 that has a housing 639 anda winged-battery cap 640 for mounting the motion monitor on a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 639 andthe winged-battery cap 640 have bayonet-type quick connect anddisconnect treads that only require, for example, a one-quarter turn ofhousing 639 to securely fasten housing 639 to winged-battery cap 640.

FIG. 6F is a diagram that shows motion monitor 602 of FIG. 6E mounted ona shoe 642. The shoe laces of shoe 642 cross-over winged-battery cap 640to hold motion monitor 602 in place.

FIG. 6G is a diagram of a housing 643 for motion monitor 602 that has awinged-battery cap 644 for mounting the motion monitor on a shoeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Housing 643 andwinged-battery cap 644 are similar to housing 639 and winged-battery cap640, except for the type of treads that is used to couple winged-batterycap 644 to housing 643. The treads used with housing 643 andwinged-battery cap 644 require several turns to couple housing 643 towinged-battery cap 644.

FIG. 6H is a diagram that further illustrates how winged-battery cap 644is screwed into housing 643.

FIG. 6I is a diagram of a winged-battery cap 646 for use, for example,with housing 643. Winged-battery cap 646 has ends with openings throughwhich the laces of a shoe can be threaded. A similar winged-battery capwith bayonet-type quick connect and disconnect threads can be used withhousing 639.

FIG. 6J is a diagram of a winged-battery cap 648 for use, for example,with housing 643. Winged-battery cap 648 has ends with two holes eachthrough which the laces of a shoe can be threaded. A similarwinged-battery cap with bayonet-type quick connect and disconnectthreads can be used with housing 639.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a heart rate monitor 700 with built-in sensors702 a-b for determining a user's percent body fat according to anembodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, a percent bodyfat value is determined by having a user grasp sensors 702 a and 702 bwith his or her hands. Using sensors 702 a and 702 b, a weak electricalcurrent is passed through the user's body to determine the amount of fattissue. The weak electrical current is not felt by the user. A processorwithin monitor 700 calculates the user's body fat percentage using abioelectrical impedance method for determining body fat. Muscles, bloodvessels and bones are body tissues having a high water content thatconduct electricity easily. Body fat, however, is tissue that has littleelectric conductivity. In an embodiment, the formula used to determine auser's percent body fat takes into account, for example, measuredelectric resistance and the height, weight, age and gender of the user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a heart rate/percent body fat monitor 800according to an embodiment of the present invention. Heart rate/percentbody fat monitor 800 represents one embodiment for the heart ratemonitor 700 with built in sensors for detecting body fat describedabove. As shown in FIG. 8, heart rate/percent body fat monitor 800includes a processor 802, memory 804, a heart rate sensor 806, body fatmonitoring circuitry 808, a transceiver 812, and a battery 816.

Processor 802 is a conventional processor such as, for example, amicrocontroller capable of implementing application programs stored inmemory 804. Processor 802 is coupled to memory 804, heart rate sensor806, body fat monitoring circuitry 808, and transceiver 812.

Memory 804 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 804 stores programs, for example, used toprocess data from heart rate sensor 806 and body fat monitoringcircuitry 808. In an embodiment, memory 804 includes both read onlymemory and random access memory.

Heart rate sensor 806 is an electronic sensor that detects heart beats.This data is provided to processor 802 and used to determine a heartbeat rate (e.g., number of beats per minute).

Body fat monitoring circuitry 808 is responsible, for example, forgenerating a weak electrical current that is passed through the user'sbody and for measuring electric resistance. The weak current is passedthrough the user's body by having the user grasp sensors 810 a and 810 bwith his or her hands. Based on the determined electrical resistance, aformula is used to calculate the user's percent body fat. In anembodiment, the formula takes into account, for example, measuredelectric resistance and the height, weight, age and gender of the user.

Transceiver 812 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of sports electronic training system 100. In anembodiment, transceiver 812 operates in an unlicensed frequency bandsuch as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver 812 is coupled to an antenna 814.

Battery 816 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof heart rate/percent body fat monitor 800. Battery 816 can be either arechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.

In embodiments of the present invention, as described above, variouscomponents of the sports electronic training system periodicallytransmit data to a portable electronic processing device during aworkout. In other embodiments, data collected and/or generated bycomponents of the sports electronic training system such as, forexample, a motion monitor and/or a heart rate monitor store the dataduring the entire workout and transmit the data only after the workoutis completed (e.g., during a synchronization session). This isparticularly beneficial for certain sports and for instances in which auser chooses not to carry or wear a portable electronic processingdevice.

FIG. 9 is a diagram that illustrates a portable electronic processingdevice 900 interacting with a computer 910. In an embodiment, portableelectronic processing device 900 (e.g., a cell phone) communicates withcomputer 910 (e.g., a personal computer) using wireless communications.In another embodiment, portable electronic processing device 900communicates with computer 910 using wire communications, for example,by placing portable electronic processing device 900 in a docking unitthat is attached to computer 910 using a communications wire pluggedinto a communications port of computer 910.

As shown in FIG. 9, portable electronic processing device 900 has abutton 902 that when pressed places portable electronic processingdevice 900 into a sports operating mode according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. The sports operating mode and it various featuresare discussed in more detail below, for example, with reference to FIGS.13-33.

In an embodiment, data collected by portable electronic processingdevice 900, for example, when it is in sports operating mode, isuploaded to computer 910 for long term storage. This data can include,for example, workout data, photos, et cetera. This frees up memory spacein portable electronic processing device 900 so that it can collectadditional data without having to overwrite previously collected data. Aprogram running on computer 910 can be used to retrieve and interactwith the uploaded data. In addition, as explained in more detail below,for example, with reference to FIGS. 34-40, computer 910 can downloaddata such as workout routines, music, running routes, et cetera, toportable electronic processing device 900.

FIG. 10 is a diagram that illustrates a portable electronic processingdevice 1000 interacting with computer 910. In an embodiment, portableelectronic processing device 1000 (e.g., a sports watch) communicateswith computer 910 using wireless communications. In another embodiment,portable electronic processing device 1000 communicates with computer910 using wire communications. In this embodiment, portable electronicprocessing device 1000 interacts with computer 910 using, for example, auniversal serial bus (USB) cable or other type cable.

In an embodiment, data collected by portable electronic processingdevice 1000 is uploaded to computer 910 for long term storage. This datacan include, for example, workout data. This frees up memory space inportable electronic processing device 1000 so that it can collectadditional data without having to overwrite previously collected data. Aprogram running on computer 910 can be used to retrieve and interactwith the uploaded data. In addition, computer 910 can download data toportable electronic processing device 1000.

FIG. 11A is a diagram of portable electronic processing device 900interacting with a computer/web server 1100 according to an embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11A, portable electronicprocessing device 900 interacts with computer 910, which interacts withcomputer/web server 1100 using network 1102. In an embodiment, network1102 is the Internet. The interaction between portable electronicprocessing device 900 and computer 910, and the interaction betweencomputer 910 and computer/web server 1100 may occur at different times.For example, in an embodiment, a user may use computer 910 to log-in tocomputer/web server 1100 and upload and/or download data such as, forexample, new workout routines and/or running routes. Any informationdownloaded during the log-in session can be subsequently downloaded toportable electronic processing device 900 after the log-in session iscomplete (e.g., just before a user's next workout session).

In an embodiment, portable electronic processing device 900 interactswith computer/web server 1100 using, for example, a universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS) connection or a global system formobile communications (GSM) connection. In this embodiment, at the endof a workout (e.g., after a stop workout command is input), datacollected during a workout is transmitted (e.g., either automatically oron command) to computer/web server 1100 without having to log-on tocomputer 910. The UMTS and/or GSM connection can be used both to uploadand download information from computer/web server 1100.

FIG. 11B is a diagram of portable electronic processing device 1000interacting with computer/web server 1100 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 11B, portable electronicprocessing device 1000 interacts with computer 910, which interacts withcomputer/web server 1100 using network 1102. The interaction betweenportable electronic processing device 1000 and computer 910, and theinteraction between computer 910 and computer/web server 1100 may occurat different times.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example portable electronic processing device1200 interacting with various exercise machines according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, in anembodiment, such exercise machines can include an exercise bike 1202, arowing machine 1204, a stair climber 1206, an elliptical machine 1208,and/or a tread mill 1210.

Portable electronic processing device 1200 interacts with variousexercise machines, for example, by receiving and storing data collectedby the exercise machines. The data can include, for example, thedistance run on the tread mill, the distance traveled on the exercisebike, or the distance rowed on the rowing machine. The data can alsoinclude, for example, the time spent exercising and/or the caloriesburnt while exercising. In embodiments, the exercise machines includesmotion monitors such as, for example, one or more motion monitorssimilar to the ones described herein. These motion monitors are used tomonitor parts of the exercise machines (e.g., pedal of an exercise bikeand steps of a stair climbing machine) that move.

The data collected by the various exercise machines can be provided toportable electronic processing device 1200 using wireless communicationsor wired communications (e.g., by placing portable electronic processingdevice 1200 in a docking unit). In an embodiment, exercise routines foreach of the various exercise machines, which are tailored to anindividual's fitness level, can be provided/downloaded from computer/webserver 1100 and loaded into portable electronic processing device 1200.These routines can then be provided to a particular exercise machineprior to a workout.

As described herein, embodiments of the portable electronic processingdevices of the present invention include a sports operating mode. Anembodiment of the sports operating mode, as well as exemplary displayviews for interacting with a portable electronic processing device insports operating mode, are described below with reference to FIGS.13-33.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an example portable electronic processing device1300 that includes a sports operating mode having virtual trainerfunctionality according to an embodiment of the present invention.Portable electronic processing device 1300 includes a display 1302 anddisplay navigation buttons 1304 a-d. An enter or select button 1306 islocated in the middle of display navigation buttons 1304 a-d.

As shown in FIG. 13, portable electronic processing device 1300 has amain display view 1310. Main display view 1310 includes a plurality oficons that can be selected, for example, using navigation buttons 1304a-d and select button 1306. Selecting an icon activates thefunctionality associated with the selected icon.

Main display view 1310 is shown in FIG. 13 as having at least fouricons: a phonebook icon 1312, a trainer icon 1314, a files icon 1316,and a music icon 1318. Other icons are also contemplated and areincluded in embodiments of the present invention. These other iconsinclude, for example, a telephone call log icon, a voice mail icon, aweb search engine icon, a camera icon, a clock/alarm icon, a games icon,et cetera.

In embodiments, main display view 1310, as well as other display viewsdescribed herein, include optional soft keys, for example, at the bottomof the display view. These soft keys (e.g., Select and/or Back) can beused to implement the functionality noted. The soft keys are selected,for example, using keys or buttons of portable electronic processingdevice 1300.

In an embodiment, selecting trainer icon 1314 brings up a trainerdisplay view 1320. Trainer display view 1320 includes a banner displayarea 1322 and main display area 1324. Banner display area 1322 indicatesthe present routine being implemented by portable electronic processingdevice 1300 (e.g., the trainer routine). As shown in main display area1324, the trainer routine includes several subroutines that can beselected, for example, using icons 1326 a-e. In an embodiment, thesesubroutines include a workout routine, a music routine, a photosroutine, a calendar routine, and a settings routine. Other routines areincluded in other embodiments. A start icon 1326 f is used to start aworkout.

In an embodiment, the icons of trainer display view 1320 rotate eitherclockwise or counter clockwise when a user presses a navigation button,and the icon at the bottom of the display view is the active icon. Inanother embodiment, the icons do not rotate in response to user inputs.

FIG. 14A is a diagram that illustrates workout features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The workout features are selected, for example, by selectingthe workout icon 1326 a of display view 1320.

In an embodiment, selecting workout icon 1326 a brings up a workoutdisplay view 1402. Display view 1402 presents to a user a plurality ofpreviously created workouts such as, for example, a morning run workout,a lunch run workout, et cetera. Display view 1402 also presents a createrun option in case the user wants to create a workout not available forselection. A checkmark 1404 indicates the selected or default workout.An arrow 1406 is used to scroll through the various options when thereare more options than can be displayed at one time.

Selecting the morning run workout brings up a display view 1410. Displayview 1410 displays the details of the morning run workout and enables auser, for example, to select another workout or to edit the time and/orintensity of the selected workout.

In an embodiment, the name of a presently selected workout (e.g.,“morning run”) appears in a workout name field 1412 of display view1410. If the user wishes to select another workout, the user can do thisby using arrows associated with field 1412 to scroll through variousother workouts until a desired workout appears in field 1412. Once adesired workout appears in field 1412, the user can view and/or edit thetime of the workout and/or the endurance of the workout. A user changesthe time of the workout by modifying the time shown in a time field1414. The time can be varied by typing in a desired time or by scrollingthrough various time options using arrows associated with time field1414. A user changes the intensity of the workout be varying theintensity displayed in an intensity field 1416. The intensity can bechanged for example using arrows associated with intensity field 1416.In an embodiment, selectable options for the various fields of displayview 1410 are presented using dropdown box rather than scroll arrows.

In an embodiment, display view 1410 includes a trainer checkbox 1418.Checking this box enables audio feedback to be provided to a user duringa workout. Removing the check from trainer checkbox 1418 disables theaudio feedback.

Referring to FIG. 14A, at the bottom of display view 1410 is a displayarea 1420 that enables a user to select another subroutine of thetrainer routine. As shown in FIG. 14A, the subroutine shown in displayarea 1420 is the music subroutine. If another routine is desired, thearrows in display area 1420 can be used to scroll through the otheravailable subroutines such as, for example, the photos subroutine, thecalendar subroutine and the settings subroutine.

Selecting the music icon in display area 1420 brings up a music displayview 1430. Display view 1430 is used to select the music to be playedduring a workout. Playable music includes, for example, music stored inone or more play lists or radio music.

FIG. 14B is a table that illustrates example audio feedback provided toa user during a workout. The table illustrates example feedback that isappropriate, for example, for a 60 minute workout/run at a strength(e.g., yellow) level of intensity. As described herein, workouts can beperformed at different intensity levels, and in an embodiment, theselevels are associated with various colors to facilitate providingfeedback to a user. In an embodiment, an easy workout is associated witha color such as green or blue, an intermediate intensity workout isassociated with yellow, and a hard workout is associated with red. Othercolors can also be used. One benefit of using different colors torepresent different workout intensities is that colored bars can be usedto display a workout. Accordingly, a bar used to represent a workouthaving different intensity periods would be displayed as a bar havingdifferent colored segments.

In embodiments, the virtual trainer functionality of the presentinvention can influence a workout program, session or routine in realtime. For example, in a situation in which a heart rate monitor is beingused to monitor an individual's heart rate during a workout, the virtualtrainer will monitor the heart rate data for signs of overtraining andwhen an overtraining situation is identified, the virtual trainer willchange the workout, for example, to an easier run. In embodiments of thepresent invention, data from other sensors (e.g., a hydration sensor, atemperature sensor, etc.) can also be monitored for signs ofovertraining, and when overtraining is detected, the virtual trainerwill modify the work appropriately.

FIG. 15A is a diagram that illustrates first example customizableparameter displays for a sports electronic training system according toan embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 15A, auser can select what performance parameters are displayed and/orprovided to the user as feedback during a workout.

In operation, once a user starts a workout, the trainer routine providesfeedback to the user. This feedback can be visual feedback, for example,displayed on display 1302 of portable electronic processing device 1300and/or audio feedback provided to the user using headphone plugged intoan audio jack of portable electronic processing device 1300. The visualfeedback can be continuously displayed and updated during the workout.The audio feedback is provided, for example, when a user taps portableelectronic processing device 1300 twice.

As shown in FIG. 15A, a first example display 1502 shows an elapsed timesince the start of the workout (e.g., 7 minutes and 42 seconds), a heartrate (e.g., 184 beats per minute), and a total distance run since thebeginning of the workout (e.g., 1.6 km). As shown in example display1504, if the user is not wearing a motion sensor on a shoe, the feedbackdisplay will not show a total distance run. Instead, it may display, forexample, the text “Not Found” in place of a total distance run toindicate to the user that portable electronic processing device 1300 isnot in communication with a motion sensor. As shown in example display1506, if the user is not wearing a heart rate monitor, the feedbackdisplay will not show a total number of heart beats per minute value.Instead, it may display the text “Not Found” in place of a heart rate toindicate to the user that portable electronic processing device 1300 isnot in communication with a heart rate monitor.

In embodiments, as illustrated by example display 1508, a user canchange the feedback that is displayed, for example, by selecting adisplay icon and using arrow keys 1510 associated with the selecteddisplay icon to scroll through various optional display parameters andpick a desired parameter for display. In one embodiment, the parametersavailable for display include time, heart rate distance, calories, paceand/or stride rate. In other embodiments, other parameters areavailable.

FIG. 15B is a diagram that illustrates second example customizableparameter displays for a sports electronic training system according toan embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 15B, thesecond example parameter displays include in the top one-third of thedisplay an elapsed time value. In the bottom two-thirds of the displayarea, a workout performance parameter goal is displayed such as, forexample, a stride rate goal, a pace goal, a heart rate goal, or adistance goal. In an embodiment, a user can cycle through which goal isdisplayed by pressing a button on the portable electronic processingdevice.

Example display 1522 displays for a user elapsed time and a stride rateperformance parameter goal. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the stride rategoal for the depicted example workout is 180 steps per minute. A runnercan determine whether he or she is meeting the workout goal bymonitoring three indicators 1524, 1526, and 1528. If the runner ismeeting the stride rate goal (e.g., the runner is meeting the goalwithin a selected number of steps per minute) during a workout, themiddle indicator 1526 is illuminated. If the runner is exceeding thestride rate goal by more than a selected number of steps per minute(e.g., 5 steps per minute), the top indicator 1524 is illuminated as anindication to the runner to decrease the stride rate. If the runner isbelow the stride rate goal by more than a selected number of steps perminute (e.g., 5 steps per minute), the bottom indicator 1528 isilluminated as an indication to the runner to increase the stride rate.

In one embodiment, a user is provided with stride rate training feedbackin the form of beeps in headphones worn by the user. The beepscorrespond, for example, to the stride rate goal, and the user adjustshis or her stride rate to match the beeps. The beeps can be provided,for example, only when a change in stride rate is required (e.g., whenthe runner is running below or above a particular stride rate goal).

Example display 1530 displays for a user elapsed time and a workout pacegoal. The pace goal for the depicted example workout is 7 minute and 30seconds per mile. A runner can determine whether he or she is meetingthe workout goal by monitoring the three indicators 1524, 1526, and1528. As above, if the runner is meeting the pace goal during a workout,the middle indicator 1526 is illuminated. If the runner is exceeding thepace goal, the top indicator 1524 is illuminated as an indication to therunner to decrease the pace. If the runner is below the pace goal, thebottom indicator 1528 is illuminated as an indication to the runner toincrease the pace.

Example display 1532 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutheart rate goal. The heart rate goal for the depicted example workout is175 beats per minute. A runner can determine whether he or she ismeeting the workout goal by monitoring the three indicators 1524, 1526,and 1528. As above, if the runner is meeting the heart rate goal duringa workout, the middle indicator 1526 is illuminated. If the runner isexceeding the heart rate goal, the top indicator 1524 is illuminated. Ifthe runner is below the heart rate goal, the bottom indicator 1528 isilluminated.

Example display 1534 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutdistance goal. The elapsed time is depicted in the top one-third ofdisplay 1534. The distance goal is depicted in the bottom two-thirds ofdisplay 1534. In an embodiment, the distance goal is shown as a piechart, which is filled-in in proportion to how much of the distance goalhas been achieved. For example, if the runner has completed 25% of thedistance goal, than one-quarter of the pie chart is filled-in as shownin FIG. 15B. A similar display can be used to depict completion, forexample, of a calories goal.

FIG. 15C is a diagram that illustrates third example customizableparameter displays for a sports electronic training system according toan embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 15C, thethird example parameter displays include in the top one-third of thedisplay an elapsed time value. In the bottom two-thirds of the displayarea, a workout performance parameter goal is displayed such as, forexample, a stride rate goal, a pace goal, a heart rate goal, or acalorie goal. In an embodiment, a user can cycle through which goal isdisplayed by pressing a button on the portable electronic processingdevice.

Example display 1542 displays for a user elapsed time and a stride rateperformance parameter goal. As illustrated in FIG. 15C, the stride rategoal for the depicted example workout is 180 steps per minute. A runnercan determine whether he or she is meeting the workout goal bymonitoring two indicators 1544 and 1546. If the runner is exceeding thestride rate goal by more than a selected number of steps per minute(e.g., 5 steps per minute), the top indicator 1544 is illuminated as anindication to the runner to decrease the stride rate. If the runner isbelow the stride rate goal by more than a selected number of steps perminute (e.g., 5 steps per minute), the bottom indicator 1546 isilluminated as an indication to the runner to increase the stride rate.If the runner is meeting the stride rate goal (e.g., the runner ismeeting the goal within a selected number of steps per minute) during aworkout, neither indicator is illuminated.

Example display 1548 displays for a user elapsed time and a workout pacegoal. The pace goal for the depicted example workout is 7 minute and 30seconds per mile. A runner can determine whether he or she is meetingthe workout goal by monitoring the two indicators 1544 and 1546 next tothe pace goal. As above, if the runner is exceeding the pace goal, thetop indicator 1544 is illuminated as an indication to the runner todecrease the pace. If the runner is below the pace goal, the bottomindicator 1546 is illuminated as an indication to the runner to increasethe pace.

Example display 1550 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutheart rate goal. The heart rate goal for the depicted example workout is175 beats per minute. A runner can determine whether he or she ismeeting the workout goal by monitoring the two indicators 1544 and 1546.As above, if the runner is exceeding the heart rate goal, the topindicator 1544 is illuminated. If the runner is below the heart rategoal, the bottom indicator 1546 is illuminated.

Example display 1552 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutcalories goal. The elapsed time is depicted in the top one-third ofdisplay 1552. The calories goal is depicted in the bottom two-thirds ofdisplay 1552. In an embodiment, the calories goal is shown as a piechart, which is filled-in in proportion to how many of the desiredcalories have been burned so far during the workout. For example, if therunner has burned calories equal to 25% of the calories goal, thanone-quarter of the pie chart is filled-in as shown in FIG. 15C. Asimilar display can be used to depict completion, for example, of adistance goal.

FIG. 15D is a diagram that illustrates fourth example customizableparameter displays for a sports electronic training system according toan embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 15D, thefourth example parameter displays include in the top one-third of thedisplay an elapsed time value. In the bottom two-thirds of the displayarea, a workout performance parameter goal is displayed such as, forexample, a stride rate goal, a pace goal, a heart rate goal, or adistance goal. In an embodiment, a user can cycle through which goal isdisplayed by pressing a button on the portable electronic processingdevice.

Example display 1562 displays for a user elapsed time and whether aworkout stride rate performance parameter goal is being met. Asillustrated in FIG. 15D, a runner can determine whether he or she ismeeting the workout goal by monitoring three indicators 1564, 1566, and1568. If the runner is meeting the stride rate goal (e.g., the runner ismeeting the goal within a selected number of steps per minute) during aworkout, the middle indicator 1566 is illuminated. If the runner isexceeding the stride rate goal by more than a selected number of stepsper minute (e.g., 5 steps per minute), the right indicator 1568 isilluminated as an indication to the runner to decrease the stride rate.If the runner is below the stride rate goal by more than a selectednumber of steps per minute (e.g., 5 steps per minute), the leftindicator 1564 is illuminated as an indication to the runner to increasethe stride rate.

Example display 1570 displays for a user elapsed time and a workout pacegoal. A runner can determine whether he or she is meeting the workoutpace goal by monitoring the three indicators 1564, 1566, and 1568 in amanner similar to that described above.

Example display 1572 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutheart rate goal. A runner can determine whether he or she is meeting theworkout heart rate goal by monitoring the three indicators 1564, 1566,and 1588. As above, if the runner is meeting the heart rate goal duringa workout, the middle indicator 1566 is illuminated. If the runner isexceeding the heart rate goal, the right indicator 1568 is illuminated.If the runner is below the heart rate goal, the left indicator 1564 isilluminated.

Example display 1574 displays for a user elapsed time and a workoutdistance goal. The elapsed time is depicted in the top one-third ofdisplay 1574. The distance goal is depicted in the bottom two-thirds ofdisplay 1574. In an embodiment, the distance goal is shown as a piechart, which is filled-in in proportion to how much of the distance goalhas been achieved. For example, if the runner has completed 25% of thedistance goal, than one-quarter of the pie chart is filled-in as shownin FIG. 15D. A similar display can be used to depict completion, forexample, of a calories goal.

In one embodiment, a sports training system according to the presentinvention includes glasses. The glasses have color indications locatedwithin the field of view of the wearer that provide feedback to thewearer (e.g., a runner) about performance. For example, in oneembodiment, three lights indicate zones of performance (e.g., on targetperformance, below target performance, and above target performance). Inanother embodiment, two colors indicate performance (e.g., below targetperformance and above target performance—no indicator light is used toindicate on target performance). The performance being monitored canrelate, for example, to heart rate, stride rate, et cetera.

In an embodiment, a sports training system according to the presentinvention includes glasses that display text and/or graphicalinformation (e.g., other than color indications) within the field ofview of the wearer. This information provides feedback to the wearer,for example, about performance and/or navigation. In one embodiment, thegraphical information includes, for example, navigation arrows thatindicate to a runner which way the runner should run.

FIGS. 15E-F illustrate two tables (Table 1A and Table 1B) that can beused to calculate the number of calories burned (in kcal/min) whileexercising according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shownin the tables, the calories burned is a function of whether a person iswalking or running, how fast the person is walking or running, and theperson's body weight. In an embodiment, these tables are used as look-uptables implemented by software running on a portable electronicprocessing device according to the present invention. Other tables canalso be used. Thus, the present invention is not limited to using thesetables.

FIG. 15G illustrates a Table 2 that can be used to calculate the numberof calories burned while exercising according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, the calories burnedcalculation is based on an individual's weight and metabolic equivalentunits (METS) (e.g., the number of calories used per minute based onactivity). In this embodiment, the calories burned per hour, forexample, by an individual are equal to the individual's weight inkilograms multiplied by the appropriate METS valued from Table 2.

As shown in Table 2, in an embodiment, the METS value used to calculatecalories burned is selected, for example, using an individual's fitnesslevel (e.g., beginner, intermediate, or advanced) and/or a workoutintensity (e.g., energy, endurance, strength, power, or leg strength) orpercent heart rate. The criteria used to select a METS value in aparticular embodiment may vary depending on how the calorie calculatoris implement, for example, in software running on a portable electronicprocessing device. In an embodiment, if an individual has taken afitness test and is working out using web created workouts, for example,the calories burned are calculated based on fitness level and workoutintensity. If the individual creates a custom workout using the portableelectronic processing device, the calorie calculator automaticallydefaults to using advanced heart rate ranges and METS values areselected independently of the individual's fitness level.

FIGS. 16-18 are diagrams that illustrate one method for creating aworkout using a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the methodbegins by selecting the create run entry of workout display view 1402.In an embodiment, selecting the create run entry brings up a goaldisplay view 1602. Display view 1602 list several workout goals such as,for example, time, distance, pace, calories, stride rate, et cetera. Ifa user selects a time goal, the selection brings up a time display view1604 that list various times. A user can select one of the listed times,or the user can enter a time. In an embodiment, after the user selectsor enters a time, the user is presented with an intensity display view1606 that lists various workout intensity options. As shown in FIG. 16,in an embodiment, the intensity workout options are energy, endurance,strength, power, and none. Energy is the least strenuous intensityoption and power is the most strenuous intensity option.

As shown in FIG. 17, if the user selects a distance goal at display view1602, a display view 1702 is presented to the user, which lists variousdistances for selection. The user can select one of the presenteddistances or enter another distance.

As shown in FIG. 18, if the user selects a pace goal at display view1602, a display view 1802 is presented to the user, which includes aunits field 1804 and a pace field 1806. The user can select a desiredunit (e.g., min/km) and a desired pace (e.g., 4:30) using arrowsassociated with each field. The user can also enter a desired pace. Inan embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, after the user has made all of theselections for a workout, the user is presented with a soft key saveoption in display area 1808.

In an embodiment, display views similar to the ones described herein areprovided to the user if the user selects a calories goal or a striderate goal. The edit run entry of display view 1402 brings up a list ofpreviously created workouts, which the user can select and edit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram that illustrates music features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In an embodiment, if a user selects music icon 1326 b attrainer display view 1320, a music display view 1430 appears. Displayview 1430 lists a plurality of music options that the user can select.These options include, for example, tempo songs, a radio, music playlists, motivational songs, recently played songs, most played songs, anartists list, an albums list, et cetera.

If the user selects the tempo entry at display view 1430, a display view1902 appears. Display view 1902 lists several groups of songs having atempo matched to a particular workout intensity. These intensities areenergy, endurance, strength, and power. The user can also make anautomatic selection, which will change the tempo of the music beingplayed, for example, to match a user's stride rate, heart rate, or anintensity index based on a combination of these and/or other performanceparameters.

If the user selects the radio entry at display view 1430, a display view1904 appears. Display view 1904 includes a radio reception indicationbar 1906, a frequency tuning field 1908, and a display area 1910 thatlists recently played radio frequencies. In an embodiment, the usertunes the radio to a desired frequency by entering a desired frequency,by using tuning arrows associated with frequency tuning field 1908, orby highlighting and selecting a frequency in display area 1910.

In embodiments, the radio is both an AM radio and an FM radio. Eitherthe AM or FM radio is selected using a soft key located in a displayarea 1912.

If the user selects the play lists entry at display view 1430, a displayview 1920 appears. At display view 1920, the user can select apreviously compiled play list from among a variety of play lists. Ifthere are more play lists than can be shown on the display, an arrow isused to scroll through the various play lists.

Selecting one of the other music options at display view 1430 brings upother display views, similar to the ones described herein, which enablesthe user to make appropriate music selections.

FIG. 20 is a diagram that illustrates photo features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. If a user selects the photos icon 1326 c at display view1320, a photos display view 2002 appears. Display view 2002 presents alist of photos taken with a camera that is integrated, for example, intoportable electronic processing device 1300 (e.g., a cell phone camera).The list of photos includes a name for each photo and a date that eachphoto was taken.

In an embodiment, the user selects a particular photo 2004 byhighlighting the associated photo entry in display view 2002, forexample, using navigation buttons and pressing an enter or selectbutton. The selected photo 2004 is then displayed along with its nameand an options soft key in an area 2005 of the display.

Selecting the options soft key in display area 2005 brings up a displayview 2006. Display view 2006 lists a variety of things that the user cando with photo 2004. For example, the user can display a full screen viewof photo 2004, the user can assign photo 2004 to a particular workout,or the user can delete photo 2004. In embodiments, other options arealso available. These options can include, for example, changing thezoom level of the photo and/or performing other image processingoperations.

If the user selects the assign to a workout option at display view 2006,a display view 2008 appears. Display view 2008 lists various workoutsstored, for example, in a memory of portable electronic processingdevice 1300. To assign photo 2004 to one of the listed workouts, theuser scrolls through the list of workouts and selects a particularworkout. Selecting the workout assigns photo 2004 to the workout. Oncethe photo is assigned to the workout, an icon appears next to the nameof the workout to indicate that there is at least one photo associatedwith the workout.

FIG. 21 is a diagram that illustrates calendar features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 21, if a user selects the calendar icon 1326d at display view 1320, a calendar display view 2102 appears. Calendardisplay view 2102 presents the user with a view of a calendar and a datefield 2104 at the top of the calendar. The user can select a particulardate, for example, by using arrows associated with date field 2104 tochange the displayed date, or by highlighting a particular date on thecalendar using navigation buttons and pressing on a select or enterbutton.

Selecting a particular date at display view 2102 brings up an optionsdisplay view 2106. In an embodiment, display view 2106 permits a user,for example, to view workout(s) associated with the selected date,assign a workout to the selected date, or delete a saved workout for theselected date. In an embodiment, the user can also retrieve a list ofworkouts at display view 2106. Selecting the workout list option atdisplay view 2106 brings up a display view 2108, which lists workoutssaved in a memory of the portable electronic processing device.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, if the user selects the assignworkout option at display view 2106, a display view 2202 appears.Display view 2202 includes a field 2204 that lists a workout name, arepeat checkbox 2206, days of the week checkboxes 2208, and a repeatuntil date field 2210.

Display view 2202 is used to assign particular workouts to future dates.For example, to assign a workout titled lunch run, a user uses thearrows associated with field 2204 to scroll through various workoutsuntil lunch run appears in field 2204. If the selected workout is to beassigned to multiple days, the repeat checkbox 2206 is check. This willcause the selected workout to be assigned to the days of the weekchecked using checkboxes 2208, for example, from the date shown indisplay view 2106 until the date entered into repeat until date field2210.

If the user wishes to see the goals of the workout shown in field 2204at display view 2202, the user can press an enter or select button tobring up display view 2220. Display view 2220 displays the name of theworkout in a field 2222, and the goals of the workout in a field 2224and a field 2226. As shown in FIG. 22, the goals for the lunch run areto run for 30 minutes at an endurance intensity. Arrows associated withfields 2224 and 2226 can be used to change the goals for the workout.

In an embodiment, the user can use arrows associated with field 2222 toscroll through other workouts and see the goals for the workouts. Forexample, if the user uses the arrows associated with field 2222 toscroll to an intervals workout, display view 2230 appears. Display view2230 includes fields 2232, 2234, 2236 and a visual indicator of theworkout 2238. Field 2232 displays the name of the selected workout.Fields 2234 and 2236 display the goals of the workout. For example, asshown in FIG. 22, the goals for the intervals workout are to run 5 km attwo different workout intensities. The two intensities are alternatedevery minute for the entire 5 km. Both the distance goal and theinterval times can be changed at display view 2230 using, for example,the arrows associated with fields 2234 and 2236.

As shown in FIG. 23, if a user selects the view workout option atdisplay view 2106, a display view 2302 appears. Display view 2302 showsthe workout assigned to a selected date and, if the workout has beencompleted, a soft key in display area 2303 that can be used to view theresults of the workout.

Selecting the view results soft key at display view 2302 brings up adisplay view 2304. Display view 2304 displays the results for a selectedworkout (e.g., a workout completed on 3 JUN 2006). In an embodiment, theworkout results include the duration of the workout, the distancetraveled during the workout, an average heart rate for the workout, amaximum heart rate for the workout, an average pace for the workout, thecalories burnt during the workout, and an average stride rate for theworkout. Other values can also be displayed, and in an embodiment areuser selectable.

FIG. 24 is a diagram that illustrates the selection of settings for aportable electronic processing device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 24, if a user selects settings icon1326 e at display view 1320, a settings display view 2402 appears.Settings display view 2402 includes several options that a user canselect, for example, by using navigation buttons to highlight a desiredoption and then pressing an enter or select button. When the unitsoption 2404 is selected, an units display view 2406 appears.

Units display view 2406 includes a distance field 2408 and a weightfield 2410. In an embodiment, the selectable distance units includesmiles and kilometers. The desired distance unit can be selected usingarrows associated with distance field 2408. The selectable weight unitsinclude pounds and kilograms. The desired weight unit can be selectedusing arrows associated with weight field 2410.

FIG. 25 is a diagram that illustrates one method for inputting andupdating personal data for a sports electronic training system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 25, if auser selects the personal data option at display view 2402, a personaldata display view 2502 appears. In an embodiment, personal data displayview 2502 includes the following data fields: a gender field 2504, adate of birth field 2506, a weight field 2508, a rest heart rate field2510, and a maximum heart rate field 2512. The user enters data intoeach of these fields as appropriate.

In an embodiment, some of the fields are populated automatically, forexample, by a heart rate monitor in communications with the portableelectronic processing device during an assessment session or workout. Asoft key in display area 2514 can be used to start the assessmentsession. In one embodiment, the data in weight field 2508 iscommunicated to the portable electronic processing device by a weightscale in wireless communications with the portable electronic processingdevice.

In embodiments, the personal data display view includes additional datafields such as, for example, a weight field, a height field, and/or abody mass index (BMI) field or a percent body fat field. In anembodiment, a BMI value or percent body fat value is generated for eachworkout and stored together with other workout information. This allowsa user, for example, to display and track BMI or percent body fat valuesand work towards a BMI or percent body fat goal.

In an embodiment, a percent body fat value is generated at the beginningof each workout using heart rate monitor 700. The percent body fat valuecan be obtained by having the user hold heart rate monitor 700 beforeputting it on to obtain a hand-to-hand impedance measurement. In anotherembodiment, the percent body fat value is obtain while the user iswearing heart rate monitor 700. In still another embodiment, the percentbody value is generated using a foot-to-foot impedance measurement,which can be obtained, for example, by having the user stand on thesensors of heart rate monitor 700, a weight scale having built insensors that can measure foot-to-foot impedance, or some other objectsuch as, for example, a door mat having sensors that can measurefoot-to-foot impedance and/or a persons weight. In one embodiment, theweight, BMI and/or percent body fat fields of the personal data displayview are automatically updated with information from the weight scale orother object.

In embodiments, the personal data stored in the portable electronicprocessing device is password protected. Thus, when a user selects thepersonal data option at display view 2402, a display view 2520 appears.Display view 2520 includes a password field 2522. In order to gainassess to display view 2502, a user must enter a proper password intopassword field 2522.

FIG. 26 is a diagram that illustrates one method for assessing a fitnesslevel with a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention. The assessment begins, for example,when a user of a portable electronic processing device, such as device1300, selects an assess fitness key.

As shown in FIG. 26, in an embodiment, a user is presented with adisplay view 2602 at the beginning of a new fitness assessment. Displayview 2602 displays a saved fitness number and an associated fitnesslevel for the user, if they exist. Display view 2602 also displays aprompt to start the new fitness assessment. When the user selects thestart new assessment option, a display view 2604 appears.

Display view 2604 instructs the user to complete, for example, 1.6 km asquickly as possible and to tap the portable electronic processing devicetwice after completing the 1.6 km. In an embodiment, these directionsare also provided to the user orally using a speaker or headphonesattached to a headphone jack of the portable electronic processingdevice.

At the end of the new assessment, data relating to the assessment arepresented on a display view 2606. The presented data include personaldata for the user such as the user's gender, age and weight. This datais typically obtained from the user using a personal data display view2502. Data collected during the assessment such as, for example, thetime it took the user to complete 1.6 km, the user's maximum heart rateduring the assessment, and the user's heart rate 1 minute aftercompleting the 1.6 km are also shown. The data is used to calculate anew fitness number and fitness level for the user. The new fitnessnumber and fitness level are included in display view 2606. Soft keys atthe bottom of display view 2606 can be used to either save the dataassociated with the new assessment or to cancel the data without savingit.

In an embodiment, the fitness number (F) for a male user is calculatedusing equation 5 below:F=132.853−0.0769W−0.3877A+6.315−3.2649T−0.1565(MHR/1.065)−10+0.1(MHR/1.065−HR1)  EQ.5where W equals weight in pounds; A equals age in years; T equals time inminutes; MHR equals maximum heart rate during assessment in beats perminute; and HR1 equals heart rate 1 minute after the user completed the1.6 km in beats per minute.

In an embodiment, the fitness number (F) for a female user is calculatedusing equation 6 below:F=132.853−0.0769W−0.3877A−3.2649T−0.1565(MHR/1.065)−15+0.1(MHR/1.065−HR1)  EQ.6where W equals weight in pounds; A equals age in years; T equals time inminutes; MHR equals maximum heart rate during assessment in beats perminute; and HR1 equals heart rate 1 minute after the user completed the1.6 km in beats per minute.

In one embodiment, the present invention analyzes each workout completedby the user and automatically uses the workout data to update the user'sfitness level and fitness number rather than wait for the user to electto perform a new fitness assessment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of an example Fitness Level table used to determinea fitness level according to an embodiment of the present invention. Todetermine a fitness level, one first determines whether the person forwhom the fitness level is being determined is a male or a female. Next,one looks up the calculated fitness number for the individual in the rowcorresponding to the age of the individual. The fitness level is thenread from the column in which the fitness number is located. Forexample, using the Fitness Level table, a 25 year old male having acalculated fitness number of 57 is assessed as having a fitness level ofintermediate (Int) 2. A 37 year old female having a calculated fitnessnumber of 30 is assessed as having a fitness level of beginner (Begin)1.

In one embodiment, a fitness level for an individual is determined byasking the individual a series of questions. These questions are asfollows:

-   -   1. Do you run, exercise or play sports on a regular basis?    -   2. Do you walk a total of at least 30 minutes a day?    -   3. How many days a week do you run, exercise or play sports?    -   4. About how long do you run, exercise or play sports on each        day?        Based on the answers to these questions, a fitness level is        assigned to the individual.

For example, in an embodiment, a user is asked question 1. If the useranswers no to question 1, the user is asked question 2. If the useranswers no to question 1 and no to question 2, the user is assessed tohave a fitness level of beginner 1. If the user answers no to question 1and yes to question 2, the user is assessed to have a fitness level ofbeginner 2.

In an embodiment, if a user answer yes to question 1, the user is askedquestions 3 and 4. The responses to questions 3 and 4 are used todetermine a fitness level for the user. For example, if the userindicates that he exercises three days per week, for about 45 minuteseach day, these two responses would be combined to determine that theuser exercise for a total of 135 minutes per week. The total time spentrunning, exercising or playing sports each week is then compared to thetimes in the fitness table below to determine a fitness level for theindividual. For the example of 135 minutes per week, the user would beassessed a fitness level of intermediate 3.

Fitness Level Assessment Table Fitness Level Begin 1 Begin 2 Int 1 Int 2Int 3 Adv Minutes spent running, ≦40 ≦60 ≦100 ≦130 ≦160 >160 exercisingor playing sports per week

As described herein, in embodiments of the present invention, theassessed fitness level of an individual is used to develop aworkout/exercise plan tailored to the fitness level of the individualand aimed at assisting the individual to achieve one or more specificfitness or exercise goals.

FIG. 28 is a diagram that illustrates component identification featuresof a sports electronic training system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 28, if a user selects the componentsoption at display view 2402, a components display view 2802 appears.

Display view 2802 includes a motion monitor field 2804, a heart ratemonitor field 2806, and a watch field 2808. These fields are used tostore the unique serial number identification values transmitted bycomponents of a sports electronic training system according to thepresent invention. The stored serial number identification values areused by the portable electronic processing device to determine whether areceived message is to be stored and processed or to be ignored. Thedisplay view can also include other fields that are used to store serialnumber identification values transmitted by other components of thesports electronic training system described herein.

As described above, in an embodiment, each component of sportselectronic training system 100 communicates with a portable electronicprocessing device such as, for example, device 300 by periodicallytransmitting a message to the device that includes both a device typeidentification value and a unique serial number identification value.The device type identification value identifies a particular component,for example, as a motion monitor, a heart rate monitor or a watch.Knowing the device type enables the portable electronic processingdevice, for example, to decode message data. Accordingly, the portableelectronic processing device knows to decode data from a heart ratemonitor as heart beats per minute and to decode data from a motionmonitor, for example, as average velocity, distance traveled, pace, etcetera. The unique serial number identification value transmitted by acomponent enables the portable electronic processing device to identifywhether a received message is from a component belonging to the sameWPAN as the portable electronic processing device or whether thereceived message belongs, for example, to a WPAN of another nearbyrunner.

As shown in FIG. 28, the stored serial number identification value forthe motion monitor is 124425. This value can be manually entered by auser, or it can be automatically detected and stored by the portableelectronic processing device. In FIG. 28, field 2806 is shown displayingthe text searching to indicate that the portable electronic processingdevice is in the process of trying to locate a nearby heart rate monitorand associate it to the WPAN. If a heart rate monitor is not foundwithin a particular period of time, the user is presented with a displayview 2810. This display view queries the user as to whether the searchfor a heart rate monitor should be repeated or discontinued. The userinput to the query is made by using soft keys located in display area2812.

Field 2808 of display view 2802 displays the text none to indicate thatthe portable electronic processing device should not look for a watchnor associate with a watch. A user might enter none in field 2808, forexample, if the user has not yet purchased a sports watch. This wouldenable the portable electronic processing device to forgo trying toassociate with a watch each time the portable electronic processingdevice is switched to sport operating mode.

FIG. 29 is a diagram that illustrates setting telephone features of asports electronic training system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In embodiments of the present invention, in which theportable electronic processing device is a mobile phone, selecting thetelephone option at display view 2402 brings up display view 2902.Display view 2902 includes two fields 2904 and 2906. If a user wishes toreceive telephone calls while the mobile phone is in sports operatingmode, the user enters yes in field 2904. If the user does not wish toreceive telephone calls, the user enters no in field 2904. If the userwishes to receive telephone calls when the mobile phone is in sportsoperating mode, field 2906 is used to set the ring tone for the mobilephone. This ring tone is the ring tone for the mobile phone when themobile phone is in sports operating mode.

FIGS. 30-32 are diagrams that illustrate setting virtual trainerfeatures of a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30, if a userselects the trainer option at display view 2402, a trainer display view3002 appears.

Display view 3002 includes three options: a voice option, a feedbackinterval option, and a feedback content option. Selecting the voiceoption brings up a display view 3004. In an embodiment, display view3004 includes a plurality of checkboxes that are used to select alanguage for the virtual trainer. If a user selects the checkbox forEnglish, for example, the virtual trainer will provide feedback to auser in English. After a language selection is made, a user is presentedwith a display view 3006. Display view 3006 is used to select, forexample, the voice quality for the virtual trainer. In an embodiment, auser has a choice of a male voice, a female voice, and the voices, forexample, of famous people such as sports stars. In an embodiment, othervoices (e.g., voices of famous actors, etc.) can be downloaded from thecomputer/web server and used for the virtual trainer.

If a user selects the feedback interval option at display view 3002, adisplay view 3102 appears, as illustrated in FIG. 31. Display view 3102is used to select when audio feedback is provided to a user. Inembodiments, the available intervals include, for example, betweensongs, at every milestone, and no feedback. If the user selects theoption to receive feedback at every milestone, the user is presentedwith display views that permit the user to select miles stones. Displayview 3104, for example, permits a user to select distance milestones.Other display views permit the user to select other milestones such astime milestones. In an embodiment, a user can receive feedback atanytime, for example, by tapping the portable electronic processingdevice a selected number of times, or by pressing a switch on theheadphone cords, or by pressing a blind access button on the portableelectronic processing device. In an embodiment, feedback is requested byvoice control using, for example, a microphone built into the portableelectronic processing device. In one embodiment, each time the userstates feedback, or another word or phrase, immediate audible feedbackis provided to the user.

If a user selects the feedback content option at display view 3002, adisplay view 3202 appears, as illustrated in FIG. 32. Display view 3202is used to select what feedback is provided to the user at each feedbackinterval. In an embodiment, display view 3202 includes a plurality ofcheckboxes, wherein each checkbox is associated with a particularperformance parameter. The user selects the feedback content by markingone or more of the available checkboxes.

A table that illustrates example audio feedback provided to a user inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention is provided inFIG. 14B. In embodiments, the feedback examples provided in the tableare modified to provide feedback in accordance with the feedback contentselected by a user, for example, using display view 3202.

In one embodiment, the virtual trainer analyzes the effectiveness offeedback provided to a user (e.g., whether the feedback is motivating arunner to improve performance) and is able to modify its personality(e.g., one or more of the trainer settings described herein) over timeto provide more effective feedback to the user. This self-adaptingfeature of the present invention enables the virtual trainer to maximizethe effectiveness of training feedback provided by the virtual trainer.

As shown in FIG. 33, in an embodiment, the portable electronicprocessing device can operate as a pedometer. If a user selects thepedometer option at display view 2402, a pedometer display view 3302appears. The information for the pedometer can come, for example, from amotion monitor 104 or an accelerometer or other sensor integrated intothe portable electronic processing device.

In an embodiment, display view 3302 includes a checkbox that permits auser to select whether a step counter is to be displayed on the portableelectronic processing device's wallpaper or main display view. Displayview 3302 also includes a step counter field 3308 and a step counterreset time field 3306. The reset time entered in field 3306 is the timeat which the step counter will be reset to zero. In an embodiment, thereset time can be manually entered by a user, or it can be entered, forexample, using arrows associated with field 3306.

Display view 3310 is an example main display view for one embodiment ofa portable electronic processing device according to the presentinvention (e.g., a mobile phone embodiment). Display view 3310 is showndisplaying a pedometer step counter field 3308.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an accelerometer mounted, forexample, on a wristband or in a watch is used to measure daily activitylevel for an individual. The wristband or watchband changes color toindicate to the wearer whether the wearer is meeting an activity goalfor day. In an embodiment, the color of the wristband or watchbandchanges color as an indication to the wearer that the wearer shouldincrease his or her activity level (e.g., the wearer should use stairsinstead of taking an elevator).

FIGS. 34-36 are diagrams that illustrate music features of a sportselectronic training system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In an embodiment, a user can log into a music program runningon a computer/web server as illustrated in FIG. 11A. When the user logsin, the user is presented with a display view such as, for example,display view 3402 in FIG. 34.

Display view 3402 enables a user to select music to be played on aportable electronic processing device according to the present inventionduring a workout. The music can be selected based on and/or matched toparticular stride rates and ranges of stride rates. As described herein,stride rate is a measure of the number of steps an individual completes,for example, in one minute. Maintaining a constant stride rate whenrunning, for example, is important to efficient running. Individualsvary their running speed by the energy they put into their stride. Therhythm of a runner's run can be enhanced and guided by selecting andplaying music matched to a particular stride rate.

As shown in FIG. 34, display view 3402 includes a viewing area 3406 and3408. Viewing area 3406 is used by a user to locate and retrieve musicbased on stride rate. Viewing area 3408 is used by a user to selectstride rates and stride rate ranges, and to match music to the selectedstride rates and stride rate ranges.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, viewing area 3408 includes astride rates bar 3410 and six stride rate matching tabs 3412 a-f. Alsolocated in viewing area 3410 is a match button 3414. In order to locateand match music to particular stride rates, a user moves the stride ratematching tabs 3412 to establish five stride rate ranges. In FIG. 34, thestride rate matching tabs have been positioned to form stride rateranges of 60-95 steps per minute, 95-115 steps per minute, 115-150 stepsper minute, 150-170 steps per minute, and 170-210 steps per minute.After the stride rate matching tabs are set, the user activates a musicmatching function, for example, by clicking on match button 3414 with acomputer mouse. The music matching function searches through a musiclibrary or music database and places, for example, music files orpointers to music files (e.g., MP3 music files) in folders located inviewing area 3406 of display view 3402. To retrieve the music, the usergoes to the files in viewing area 3402 and downloads the files to aportable electronic processing device according to the presentinvention.

In an embodiment, the music matching function analyzes music filesstored in a music library and determines a beats per minute value foreach music file. The beats per minute value for a music file is storedwith a music file, for example, in a header field. The music matchingfunction compares the beats per minute value for music files with striderate values and, if there is a match, the music file, or a pointerthereto, is placed in an appropriate stride music file. In anembodiment, the music function searches music files stored, for example,on the user's home computer to identify music files having a particularbeats per minute value. In another embodiment, the music functionsearches commercial music libraries, for example, located on web serversoperated by music vendors, and the user is able to purchase music filesat the completion of the matching process.

In embodiments of the present invention, the music matching functionmatches music to stride rates such that the beats per minute value ofthe music file is a ratio of the stride rate value. For example, themusic beat may match every second footstep or every third footstep of arunner, as illustrated in FIG. 36, rather than simply match the beat toevery footstep.

Referring to FIG. 34, after the music matching has been performed, theuser is able to retrieve and download the matched music from the stridemusic files located in view area 3406 of display view 3402. In anembodiment, some or all of the music files may already be downloaded, inwhich case only the play list (e.g., play list commands) and any neededmusic files are downloaded.

If the user wishes to change one or more of the stride rate matchingtabs, for example, to locate a broader variety of music for a particularstride rate range, the user can readjust the one or more stride ratematching tabs as desired and activate the music matching function againby clicking on match button 3414. In an embodiment, the music matchingfunction determines the minimal amount of searching and matchingnecessary to accommodate the adjustments made by the user, and it onlyperforms this minimal amount of searching and matching in order to saveprocessing time. In an embodiment, the stride rate matching tabs can beset in a way to have a stride rate range which is limited to oneparticular stride rate.

FIG. 35 is a diagram that further illustrates display view 3402according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 35, when a user starts to move one of the stride rate matching tabs(e.g., tab 3412 d), a list of music matched to the stride rate displayedon the tab (e.g., 150) is displayed in viewing area 3408. The music list3420 shown in FIG. 35 includes four songs matched to a stride rate of150 steps per minute. The song by artist Taylor is matched to everysecond step, while the song by artist White is matched to every thirdstep. The other two songs are matched to every footstep. An arrow 3422at the bottom of music list 3420 is used to scroll through additionalsongs matched to a stride rate of 150 steps per minute. In anembodiment, clicking on match button 3414 re-activates the musicmatching function, and the music matching function performs anyadditional searching and/or matching necessary to accommodateadjustments made by the user to the stride rate matching tabs 3412.

FIGS. 37-40 are diagrams that further illustrate virtual trainingfeatures of a sports electronic training system according to anembodiment of the present invention. As described herein, a portableelectronic processing device such as, for example, device 1300 can sharedata and information with programs running, for example, on acomputer/web server. This ability to share data and information enhancesthe functionality of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram that illustrates a performance schedule displayview 3700 for a training program running on a computer/web server. In anembodiment, the training program assists individuals in developingexercise programs appropriate for their individual fitness levels andtheir specific fitness or exercise goals. The training program enablesindividuals to store, retrieve and exchange data and informationrelevant to their individual fitness.

As shown in FIG. 37, display view 3700 includes a header display area3702, a main display area 3704, and a footer display area 3706. Headerdisplay area 3702 includes links to other display views such as, forexample, a performance snapshot display view 4000 (see FIG. 40) and aperformance stats display view 3800 (see FIG. 38). A user can bring up adesired display view, for example, by clicking on one of the linksprovided using a computer input pointing device (e.g., a computermouse). In an embodiment, header display area 3702 also displays auser's stored fitness level and fitness number/fitness score as well asperformance values for the user's last stored workout.

Main display area 3704 includes a calendar that depicts a user's workoutschedule. The calendar view is user selectable so that the user can viewworkouts, for example, for a selected month, for a selected week, or fora selected day. As shown in FIG. 37, each workout can be identified by aworkout name and/or a bar that depicts the intensity of the workout.

In an embodiment, the calendar view includes both planned workouts andcompleted workouts. If a user wishes to view a particular workout, theuser can bring up a detailed display view for the workout, for example,by clicking on the workout using a computer input pointing device.Navigation controls 3708 enable a user to change, for example, thecalendar year and month displayed.

Footer display 3706 includes links to additional display views such as,for example, a goals display view, a workouts display view, a challengesdisplay view, a music display view, a products display view, a fitnessdisplay view and/or a community display view.

In an embodiment, the goals display view displays an individual'splanned workouts, the number of planned workouts completed, and thenumber of planned workouts remaining to be completed. The display viewalso provides indication(s) about whether the individual is meeting thespecified goals for the completed workouts. An example of the type ofinformation that is provided is shown in display area 4006 of FIG. 40.The goals display view also includes features to permit the user tochange goals and set new goals.

The workouts display view displays, in an embodiment, all of the variousinformation relating to workouts created by a user. This information isdescribed above, for example, with references to FIGS. 13-33. In anembodiment, the workouts display view presents details about workoutsgraphically as illustrated, for example, in display 3808 of FIG. 38.

The challenges display view displays, in an embodiment, informationrelating to challenges such as on-line virtual races, et cetera. Thechallenges enable a user to compete against himself or herself (e.g.,ghost running), against family and friends and/or against anyone else,anywhere in the world, having access, for example, to the Internet. Inan embodiment, the challenges allow for the calculation and use ofhandicap scores that allow individuals at different performance levelsto compete against one another. In an embodiment, the display viewenables the user to create, view, and join challenges, and to view theresults of completed challenges.

The music display view displays, in an embodiment, information aboutmusic, the user's play lists, et cetera. In an embodiment, it enablesthe user to select and download music to a portable electronicprocessing device such as, for example, device 1300. Example musicdisplay views are described above with reference, for example, to FIGS.34-36.

The products display view displays, in an embodiment, information aboutthe various components and products that make up a sports electronictraining system according to embodiments of the present invention. In anembodiment, it includes articles relating to various features ofproducts (e.g., product reviews, brochures, data sheets, user manuals,et cetera) as well as information about how to obtain products (e.g.,on-line ordering information). This information aids a user in selectionof products that are best suited to the user's needs and desires. In anembodiment, the products display view also includes an ability to sendand receive technical support messages relating to various products thatmake up a sports electronic training system according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

In one embodiment, a user can elect to share information stored on thecomputer/web server with various entities, which enables the electedentities to provide information about various products to the user. Inan embodiment, the products display view is customizable so that itdisplays only information elected to be received by the user.

The fitness display view displays, in an embodiment, fitness informationsuch as, for example, health and nutritional information. In anembodiment, the fitness display view includes information about varioussports in which a user might engage such as, for example, running,soccer, basketball, et cetera. In an embodiment, the fitness displayview is customizable so that it displays information elected to bereceived by the user.

The community display view displays, in an embodiment, informationabout, and links to, various on-line communities. For example, in anembodiment, the community display view provides information about andlinks to an on-line running community that hosts runner databases,running calculators, upcoming running events, running club links, etcetera. The community view display also can include information aboutand links to other on-line communities relating to other sports. In anembodiment, the community display view is customizable so that itdisplays information elected to be received by the user.

In an embodiment, the fitness level and/or fitness number displayed inheader display area 3702 is used to determine information contentprovided to user, for example, when the user selects the productsdisplay view and/or the fitness display view.

FIG. 38 is a diagram that illustrates a performance stats display view3800 for the training program. Display view 3800 is similar to displayview 3700 with regards to the information displayed in header displayarea 3802 and in footer display area 3806.

In an embodiment, display view 3800 includes a workout display 3808 inmain display area 3804. Workout display 3808 displays both the workoutgoals for a selected workout and workout stats for the selected workout,if the workout has been completed. The workout goals are depicted byworkout time and intensity boxes 3809 a-e. In an embodiment, theintensity of each workout box 3809 corresponds to a particular heartbeats per minute target range, as shown in area 3810 of display area3804. The workout stats are depicted by line 3811. In an embodiment, theworkout shown in display area 3804 can be changed using the calendar andnavigation buttons located in display area 3812.

As shown in FIG. 38, a movable caret 3807 is located in display area3804. Moving display caret 3807 so that it corresponds to a particularmoment during a completed workout brings up a display balloon 3902 (seeFIG. 39) that displays performance parameters for the particular moment.In an embodiment, the displayed performance parameters include heartrate, pace, stride rate, calories, distance, and time.

FIG. 40 is a diagram that illustrates a performance snapshot displayview 4000 for the training program. Display view 4000 is similar todisplay view 3700 with regards to the information displayed in headerdisplay area 4002 and in footer display area 4008.

In an embodiment, display view 4000 displays stats for the last workoutcompleted on a calendar page located in display area 4004. Also shown oncalendar page(s) in display area 4004 is information about upcomingplanned workouts. In an embodiment, a window is also provided thatenables a user to manage music play lists.

In one embodiment, display view 4000 includes a goal tracker display ina display area 4006. The goal tracker display displays an individual'splanned workouts, the number of planned workouts completed, and thenumber of planned workouts remaining to be completed. The goal trackerdisplay provides indication(s) about whether the individual is meetingthe specified goals for the completed workouts. In one embodiment, anindividual is periodically prompted to input and/or update personalinformation (e.g., weight) to determine whether the individual ismeeting specific fitness goals (e.g., a weight loss goal).

In one embodiment, the trainer program downloads software to a portableelectronic processing device when the device is synchronized to thetrainer program. This software prompts a user (e.g., a runner) to answerspecific questions during a workout such as, for example, how the useris feeling (e.g., tired, legs hurt, etc.). The answers to the questionsare uploaded when the device is resynchronized to the trainer program,and the answers are correlated to measured performance/body parametersand used to provide individual training feedback to the user (e.g.,feedback relating to speed, distance, gait, etc.). In an embodiment, theanswers are transferred to a professional trainer (i.e., a person) whoreviews and analyses the answers and provides professional feedback tothe user (e.g., by e-mail, text message, telephone call, etc.)

In an embodiment, the trainer program periodically sends positivefeedback (e.g., outside of a workout period) to motivate an individualand to encourage the individual to progress to a next fitness level. Thefeedback can be provided to the individual by sending the individual amobile phone text message, an e-mail at work, et cetera.

In embodiments of the present invention, the display views associatedwith various features of the present invention such as, for example, thetrainer program and the portable electronic processing devices describedherein can be configured by a user to display desired information in aformat chosen by the user. Accordingly, the present invention is notlimited to the example display views presented above.

In embodiments, the sports electronic training system, and applicationsthereof, described herein have features that are beneficial to manydifferent industries. For example, the data collected, processed andstored by the present invention can be used by the fitness industry, thehealth/medical industry, the insurance industry, et cetera. Accordingly,the present invention should not be limited to any particular industrysuch as, for example, the sports industry.

FIG. 41 is a diagram that illustrates intelligent sport balls havingaccelerometers or motion monitors. In embodiments, the sports ballscommunicate with a portable electronic processing device 4101 accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. The sport balls include, forexample, a soccer ball 4102, a baseball 4104, a tennis ball 4106, a golfball 4108, a basketball 4110, and a football 4112.

In an embodiment, an accelerometer, a sensor, or a motion monitor isincluded in each of the sport balls to measure, for example, how far andhow fast the sport ball travels when it is kicked, hit and/or thrown. Asused herein, the term sensor means a device that can include a storage(e.g., memory) and a processor. This information is communicatedwirelessly to portable electronic processing device 4101 and displayedon a display. In embodiments, other miniature sensors such as, forexample, a pressure sensor, an altimeter, a magnetic field sensor, etcetera, are included in the sport balls to collect additionalinformation that is transmitted to portable electronic processing device4101 for display. This information is used to determine, for example,how much force was applied to kick, hit and/or throw the sport ball, howhigh the sport ball went when it was kicked, hit and/or thrown, whetherthe sport ball crossed a goal line, et cetera. Other parameters about aball that can be determined and displayed include the ball's spin, airtime, arc, et cetera. In embodiments, the accelerometer, motion monitorand/or other sensors are mounted or located, for example, within theball, in the center of the ball (e.g., using a mounting or suspensionsystem), or in an outer surface of the ball. In an embodiment, theaccelerometer is formed using multiple accelerometers arranged, forexample, so that they create a plane.

In an embodiment, a sport ball such as, for example, a soccer ballaccording to the present invention contains circuitry for communicatingwith nearby devices and for storing data received from nearby devices.For example, in the case of a soccer ball, each player wears shoeshaving identification devices (e.g., identification chips,radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, etc.) that transmit a uniqueidentification value to the ball each time one of the player's shoescomes into contact with the ball. Similarly, each goaltender orgoalkeeper wears gloves having identification devices that transmit aunique identification value to the ball each time one of the goaltender's gloves comes into contact with the ball. In this way, the ballreceives and stores data during a training session or a game that can bedownloaded and reviewed/analyzed after the training session or the game.The data stored by the ball is a record, for example, of when and howoften each player came into contact with the ball.

In addition to storing data, for example, about when and how often eachplayer came into contact with the ball during a training session or agame, the ball can also store information in the case of the soccerball, for example, regarding how hard a player kicked the ball, how farthe ball was kicked by a player, how much spin a player imparted to theball when the ball was kicked, the arc of the ball, how many times theball was passed, how many time the ball was thrown, et cetera. In thisway, the data stored by the ball is a more complete record of thetraining session or game, and the additional data can be downloaded andreview/analyzed, for example, after the training session or game.

In embodiments, a sport ball of the present invention is usedindependently of other devices described herein. For example, there isno requirement for any data to be transmitted to the sport ball byanother device such as a motion monitor attached to a soccer boot. Thereis also no requirement for the sport ball to interact with a portableelectronic processing device such as, for example, a mobile phone, anMP3 music file player, or a PDA. In embodiments, the ball includesmemory that stores data (e.g., data about how hard the ball was kicked,how far the ball traveled, how fast the ball traveled, how much spin wasimparted to the ball, how many times the ball was passed, how many timethe ball was thrown, etc.) collected by the ball's sensor(s)/monitor(s).This data can be downloaded to a computer, for example, when the ball isnot being used. In an embodiment, the data is downloaded and stored on aweb server that is compatible with the various other sports electronictraining system features described herein.

In an embodiment, when a sport ball changes motion, for example, due toa kick, a sensor or motion monitor in the sport ball generates aresponse signal. In an embodiment, the algorithm(s) used by the sportball to generate values described herein (e.g., how hard the ball waskicked, how far the ball will travel, the arc of the ball, et cetera)are chosen so that the values can be generated shortly after a playercontacts the ball. For example, an algorithm used to determine how far asoccer ball will travel after being kicked is preferably based on animpact force and an initial trajectory of the ball (e.g., determinedusing a tri-axial accelerometer or a plurality of accelerometers) ratherthan a flight time of the ball. In this way, how far the ball willtravel is known before the ball travels, for example, more than somenominal distance.

In an embodiment, in addition to using a soccer ball, for example, torecord data about a training session or game, each player can wearsensors/motion monitors that record data about the player. For example,a motion monitor in a player's shoe(s) can monitor movement of theplayer about the playing field and receive data from the soccer balleach time the player comes into contact with the ball. In an embodiment,the motion monitor keeps track, for example, of the player's forward,sideways, and backward running distance and speed. In addition, themotion monitor receives data from the ball during the training sessionor game regarding how many times the player came into contact with theball, how hard the player kicked the ball, how far the ball was kickedby the player, how much spin the player imparted to the ball when theball was kicked, the arc of the ball, et cetera. This data can begenerated by the ball and transmitted to a motion monitor in theplayer's shoe, for example, before the ball is beyond the transmissionrange of the ball's transceiver circuitry. In an embodiment, therecorded/stored data about a player is downloaded and review/analyzedafter the training session or game.

In an embodiment, sensors/motion monitors worn by or associated with asoccer player, for example, may be used to determine one or more of thevalues described herein with regard to the soccer ball and vice versa.Thus, the present invention is not limited to having a particular valuedescribed herein be generated only by a sport ball or only bysensors/motion monitor worn by or associated with, for example, a soccerplayer.

In embodiments, a sport ball according to the present inventiontransmits data such as, for example, how hard the ball was kicked, howfar the ball will/has traveled, the arc of the ball, et cetera to awatch or other portable electronic processing device according to thepresent invention. This information can then be viewed in real time ornear real time, for example, on the watch display. The information canalso be downloaded from the watch or other portable electronicprocessing device and stored on a web server that is compatible with thevarious other sports electronic training system features describedherein.

In an embodiment, when the only acceleration vector acting on a sportball is the gravity vector, the ball is considered to be at rest, andthe time period for collecting and processing data for the ball (e.g.,relating to a particular kick, hit and/or throw) can be reset.

In embodiments, the information from the sensor(s) in the sport ballscan be received by any portable electronic processing device compatiblewith an embodiment of a sports training system described herein.

FIG. 42 is a diagram that illustrates a multi-sensor monitor 4200according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multi-sensormonitor 4200 includes a processor 4202, memory 4204, a heart rate sensor4206, a transceiver 4208, an antenna 4210, a battery 4212, and aplurality of sensors 4214.

Processor 4202 is a conventional processor such as, for example, amicrocontroller capable of implementing application programs stored inmemory 4204. Processor 4202 is coupled to memory 4204, heart rate sensor4206, transceiver 4208, and the plurality of sensors 4212.

Memory 4204 is used to store application program instructions and data.In an embodiment, memory 4204 stores programs, for example, used togenerate performance data from data output by heart rate sensor 4206 andthe plurality of sensors 4214. In an embodiment, memory 4204 includesboth read only memory and random access memory.

In an embodiment, heart rate sensor 4206 is an electronic sensor thatdetects heart beats. This data is provided to processor 4202 and used todetermine a heart beat rate (e.g., number of beats per minute).

Transceiver 4208 is a low-power transceiver used to communicate withother components of a sports electronic training system according toembodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, transceiver 4208operates in an unlicensed frequency band such as 2.4 GHz. Transceiver4208 is coupled to an antenna 4210.

Battery 4212 is used to provide power to operate the various componentsof multi-sensor monitor 4200. In an embodiment, battery 4212 is anon-rechargeable battery that must be periodically replaced. Battery4212 can also be a rechargeable battery.

Sensors 4214 are sensors that measure parameters associated with theperformance of an individual. Such sensors include, for example,temperature sensors, hydration/moisture sensors, salination sensors,ionization/deionization sensors, oxygen sensors, motionsensors/accelerometers, altimeters, et cetera.

In an embodiment, multi-sensor monitor 4200 is built into sportsclothing and used to measure parameters for an individual engaged in asporting event. The sporting event can include, for example, a track andfield event such as a race, or a team sport such as a soccer game, abasketball game, et cetera. Information collected by multi-sensormonitor 4200 is transmitted wirelessly, for example, to a monitoringdevice that displays the information to a coach or other individualtasked with monitoring the performance of one or more individuals. Whenthe information collected from an individual indicates that anindividual participating in a team sport is not performing at anexpected performance level and needs a rest period, the individual canbe taken out of the game for a rest. In an embodiment, information fromsensors such as, for example, hydration/moisture,ionization/deionization and/or saltation sensors are used to determineand recommend special drinks or special food to the individual (e.g., tobe consumed during a long term workout such as a marathon or soccergame, or after the workout).

In an embodiment, multi-sensor monitor 4200 is used with intelligentclothing to control the clothing. For example, in one embodiment,multi-sensor monitor 4200 operates controls that activate heating and/orventilating feature of clothes. These features can include turning onand off heaters, and inflating or deflating air bladders within theclothing to allow, for example, more or less ventilation. In anembodiment, sensors of multi-sensor monitor 4200 detect and use thepresence of moisture, or a lack of moisture, as an indicator todetermine whether more or less ventilation is demanded. In anembodiment, temperature sensors on the inside and the outside of agarment are used to determine a temperature difference, which togetherwith other information such as, for example, weather information areused to influence and/or control the ventilation/heating properties ofthe garment.

In an embodiment, a portable electronic processing device according tothe present invention is used to control the compression of a garment(e.g., which is important in swimming to increase blood flow) and/or tocontrol the support/stability function of a garment (e.g., usingintegrated support elements such as thermoplastic urethane bands). In anembodiment, a portable electronic processing device according to thepresent invention is used to control various parameters of an article offootwear. This includes, for example, cushioning, stability, the closuresystem, active or passive ventilation, traction properties,pronation/supination control, intelligent ribs on soccer boots, etcetera.

In an embodiment, garments worn by an athlete, for example, containintegrated sensors to detect movement of the athlete's upper body andposture of the body. The output of these sensors are used to providefeedback to the athlete, for example, regarding how to change bodymovement and/or posture in a sport like golf, gymnastics or figureskating, where upper body movement and posture are important. Forexample, the feedback provided to a golfer would let the golfer know howupper body movement is changing or not changing during swings.

In an embodiment, sensors are placed and/or built into a shoe tomeasure, for example, a runner's running form and gait cycle (e.g.,sensors are placed and/or built into the heel, midsole, and toe of theshoe). Additional sensors/motion monitors can also be placed on therunner's knee and hip, for example, to obtain more information about therunner's running form. The information collected by the sensors/motionmonitors is analyzed by the virtual trainer of the present invention andused to provide feedback to the runner regarding how the runner canimprove his or her running form and/or gait cycle. In an embodiment,sensors/motion monitors worn by a runner are used to determine runningbiomechanics. This is accomplished, for example, by analyzing theoutputs of the sensors/motion monitors worn on various parts of arunners body to determine the runner's rotational and translationalmovements/accelerations.

In one embodiment, retailers are provided with advanced sensor productsand/or equipment described herein, which they rent and/or provide toindividuals to evaluate the individuals. The evaluation results are thenused, for example, by the retailers to sell products (e.g., shoes) tothe individuals that are tailored to their personal needs (e.g., shoeproperties that match a runner's running form).

FIG. 43 is a diagram that illustrates using components of the presentinvention to monitor a sports player 4302 and a sport ball 4304. Sportsplayer 4302 is wearing sports clothing that includes a built inmulti-sensor monitor 4200. Monitor 4200 collects information aboutsports player 4302 and transmits this information to a device thatdisplays the information on a display 4306. Sport ball 4304 alsoincludes one or more monitors, as described above. Information collectedby these monitors is transmitted to one or more devices and displayed ona display, such as for example display 4306.

In an embodiment, the information displayed for sports player 4302includes heart rate information, hydration information, temperatureinformation, motion information, et cetera. In one embodiment,information collected by the sensors of multi-sensor monitor 4200 iscombined to produce a fatigue/performance index value. The index valuecan be monitored to indicate at what level sports player 4302 isperforming or capable of performing. The fatigue/performance index valuecan be monitored over time and compared to the sports player's actualperformance in games to determine how well sport player 4302 is capableof performing for a given range of fatigue/performance index values.

In one embodiment, the present invention is used to monitor theperformance of a boxer. Monitors in the gloves of the boxer, forexample, measure the boxer's punching speed and power. Motion monitorscan also be used to track and record data about the boxer's handmovements and form, and training feedback can be provided to the boxerbased on an analyzes of the recorded data.

In one embodiment, the present invention is used to monitor theperformance of a swimmer. Motion monitors, for example, on an arm and/orleg of the swimmer monitor the number of strokes performed by theswimmer, and the swimmer's speed, laps, swimming form; pace, et cetera.Goggles with color indications provide feedback to the swimmer aboutperformance. For example, in one embodiment, three lights indicate zonesof performance (e.g., on target performance, below target performance,and above target performance). In another embodiment, two colorsindicate performance (below target performance and above targetperformance—no indicator light is used to indicate on targetperformance).

In one embodiment, one or more sensors such as, for example, a miniaturepressure altitude sensor are used to monitor and to measure jumps,leaps, et cetera, of an individual. This information can be combinedwith other information described herein and analyzed to provide trainingfeedback to the individual.

In an embodiment, information transmitted for sports playersparticipating in a game can be encrypted so that only authorizedindividuals can receive and display the information.

As illustrated by FIGS. 44 and 45, in embodiments of the presentinvention, components of the sports electronic training system describedherein are used to interact with electronic games. In an embodiment,illustrated by FIG. 44, an individual uses the sports electronictraining system components described herein, for example, to gaincredits and/or reward points for exercising that can be downloaded to anelectronic game (e.g., to build up the health, fitness, and strength ofan avatar or a digitally created character). In another embodiment,illustrated by FIG. 45, an individual uses the sports electronictraining system components described herein, for example, to interactdirectly with an electronic game.

FIG. 44 illustrates an individual 4400 using a display 4402 and a gamingdevice 4404 to play an electronic game. The game includes an avatar ordigitally created character 4406. As used herein, the term digitallycreated character is broader than the term avatar. As used herein, theterm digitally created character means any computer game character orelectronic personality, for example, to include what is commonlyreferred to in the computer gaming art as an avatar. In order for theavatar or digitally created character to build up, for example, health,fitness, and strength, and thereby make the game more interesting and/orappealing to individual 4400, individual 4400 must collect health,fitness, and strength points by exercising. The individual collectsthese points by using various components of the sports electronictraining system described herein to monitor and record his exercise.After an exercise workout, individual 4400 can download points, forexample, from a portable electronic processing device according to thepresent invention to the electronic game.

In an embodiment, information that can be used to effect the avatar ordigitally created character is gathered, for example, by playing in areal soccer game or performing other real physical activities andstoring the information in a memory. The information is then broughtback and downloaded to a gaming device or electronic game, for example,either wirelessly or using a docking station. The downloaded informationis then used to effect, for example, the strength, power, health, etcetera of the avatar or digitally created character. In one embodiment,the information is gathered, stored, and brought back using a sport ballaccording to the present invention. In an embodiment, the informationcan be downloaded and stored on a web server that is compatible with thevarious other sports electronic training system features describedherein, and retrieved from the web server for use with an electronicgame.

In an embodiment, the more individual 4400 exercises using componentssuch as, for example, motion monitor(s) and/or a heart rate monitoraccording to the present invention to monitor and record the exercise,the more health, fitness, and strength points individual 4400 earns foruse with the electronic game. Because the health, fitness and/orstrength points earned are proportional to the amount of exerciseperformed by individual 4400, individual 4400 is motivated to exerciseand to be physically active.

In an embodiment, the virtual trainer of the present invention providesfeedback to individual 4400 while individual 4400 is exercising. Thefeedback encourages and/or helps the individual increase and/or maximizethe number of health, fitness and/or strength points that are earned.

FIG. 45 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which anindividual 4500 uses various components of the sports electronictraining system described herein to directly interact in real time withan electronic game. As illustrated by FIG. 45, individual 4500 isrunning in place in order to control movement of an avatar or digitallycreated character 4506. In embodiments, the activity level of individual4500 effects the individual's game score.

In an embodiment, the electronic game is played using a television 4502and a gaming console 4504. Movement of the avatar or digitally createdcharacter 4506 is influenced based on the movement of individual 4500,which is monitored in an embodiment using the sensors/motion monitorsand/or one or more portable electronic processing devices of the presentinvention described herein. The components of the sports electronictraining system used by individual 4500 communicate, either directly orthrough a portable electronic processing device, with gaming console4504. In an embodiment, the portable electronic processing devicecommunicates with gaming console 4504 either wirelessly or by using adocking port.

In an embodiment, wearable sensors (e.g., other than ones that monitormovement of the feet of individual 4500) are used to capture movement ofindividual 4500. In an embodiment, these wearable sensors areintegrated, for example, into garments and/or joint sleeves worn byindividual 4500 while playing the electronic game. In embodiments,performance data or a combination of physiologic and performance dataare used within a game.

In embodiments of the present invention, an electronic game or at leasta session thereof is played/displayed on one of the many sportselectronic training system displays described herein (e.g., on a displayof a portable electronic processing device, on the inside lenses ofglasses, on a display integrated into a garment sleeve, et cetera).Earphones and/or a speaker of a portable electronic processing deviceare used to provide audio for the electronic game. As such, the game isnot required to be played, for example, exclusively in a computer roomor in a living room of a house or an apartment.

The present invention has been described above by way of exemplaryembodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalences.

1. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged in an athleticactivity, comprising: a motion monitor; a heart rate monitor; and aportable electronic processing device adapted to calculate a singlevalue based on information wirelessly communicated to the portableelectronic processing device from the motion monitor and the heart ratemonitor, wherein the portable electronic processing device is adapted todownload the value to an electronic game so that the value can affect adigitally created character of the electronic game.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the motion monitor includes an accelerometer.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing devicecomprises a mobile telephone.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a device including a watch in wireless communications withthe portable electronic processing device.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the value is capable of affecting one of a health value, afitness value, and a strength value for the digitally created character.6. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processingdevice provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged inthe athletic activity.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the feedbackprovided is indicative of the value.
 8. The system of claim 6, whereinthe feedback is provided to encourage the person to maximize the value.9. The system of claim 6, wherein the feedback provided is indicative ofthe person's performance in comparison to a performance target.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the performance target is a predeterminedperformance intensity range.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theperformance intensity range is a heart rate based range.
 12. The systemof claim 11, wherein the value is downloaded from the portableelectronic processing device to the electronic game in real time duringthe athletic activity.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the value isdownloaded from the portable electronic processing device to theelectronic game after the user has completed the athletic activity. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the value is capable of affecting aplayer's score in the electronic game.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the portable electronic processing device is in wirelesscommunication with the electronic game.
 16. The system of claim 1,wherein the value is downloaded from the portable electronic processingdevice to the electronic game in real time.
 17. The system of claim 1,further comprising a docking station for receiving the portableelectronic processing device, wherein the value is downloaded from theportable electronic processing device to the electronic game via thedocking station.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the value isdownloaded from the portable electronic processing device to theelectronic game after the user has completed the athletic activity. 19.The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic processing deviceis disposed in a first housing and the electronic game device isdisposed in a second housing.
 20. A sports electronic system for use bya person engaged in an athletic activity, comprising: a motion monitor;a heart rate monitor; and a portable electronic processing deviceadapted to calculate a value based on information wirelesslycommunicated to the portable electronic processing device from themotion monitor and the heart rate monitor, wherein the portableelectronic processing device is adapted to download the value to anelectronic game so that the value can affect a digitally createdcharacter of the electronic game, and wherein the portable electronicprocessing device provides feedback to the person while the person isengaged in the athletic activity.
 21. The system of claim 20, whereinthe feedback provided is indicative of the value.
 22. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the feedback is provided to encourage the person tomaximize the value.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the feedbackprovided is indicative of the person's performance in comparison to aperformance target.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the performancetarget is a predetermined performance intensity range.
 25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the performance intensity range is a heart rate basedrange.
 26. The system of claim 20, wherein the value is downloaded fromthe portable electronic processing device to the electronic game in realtime during the athletic activity.
 27. The system of claim 20, whereinthe value is downloaded from the portable electronic processing deviceto the electronic game after the user has completed the athleticactivity.
 28. A sports electronic system for use by a person engaged inan athletic activity, comprising: a motion monitor; a heart ratemonitor; and a portable electronic processing device adapted tocalculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to theportable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and theheart rate monitor, wherein the portable electronic processing device isadapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the valuecan affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, andwherein the portable electronic processing device is in wirelesscommunication with the electronic game.
 29. The system of claim 28,wherein the portable electronic processing device provides feedback tothe person while the person is engaged in the athletic activity.
 30. Thesystem of claim 29, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of theperson's performance in comparison to a performance target.
 31. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein the performance target is a predeterminedperformance intensity range.
 32. A sports electronic system for use by aperson engaged in an athletic activity, comprising: a motion monitor; aheart rate monitor; a portable electronic processing device adapted tocalculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to theportable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and theheart rate monitor; and a docking station configured to couple to theportable electronic processing device, wherein the portable electronicprocessing device is adapted to download the value to an electronic gameso that the value can affect a digitally created character of theelectronic game, and wherein the value is capable of being downloadedfrom the portable electronic processing device to the electronic gamevia the docking station.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein theportable electronic processing device provides feedback to the personwhile the person is engaged in the athletic activity.
 34. The system ofclaim 33, wherein the feedback provided is indicative of the person'sperformance in comparison to a performance target.
 35. The system ofclaim 34, wherein the performance target is a predetermined performanceintensity range.
 36. A sports electronic system for use by a personengaged in an athletic activity, comprising: a motion monitor; a heartrate monitor; and a portable electronic processing device adapted tocalculate a value based on information wirelessly communicated to theportable electronic processing device from the motion monitor and theheart rate monitor, wherein the portable electronic processing device isadapted to download the value to an electronic game so that the valuecan affect a digitally created character of the electronic game, andwherein the portable electronic processing device is disposed in a firsthousing and the electronic game device is disposed in a second housing.37. The system of claim 36, wherein the portable electronic processingdevice provides feedback to the person while the person is engaged inthe athletic activity.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the feedbackprovided is indicative of the person's performance in comparison to aperformance target.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the performancetarget is a predetermined performance intensity range.
 40. A sportselectronic system for use by a person engaged in an athletic activity,comprising: a motion monitor; a heart rate monitor; and a portableelectronic processing device adapted to wirelessly receive informationfrom the motion monitor and the heart rate monitor, wherein the portableelectronic processing device is adapted to download the information toan electronic game so that the information can affect a digitallycreated character of the electronic game, wherein a single value iscalculated based on information derived from both the motion monitor andthe heart rate monitor so that the single value is capable of affectinga single characteristic of the digitally created character based on bothtypes of information.
 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the singlevalue is calculated by the portable electronic processing device. 42.The system of claim 40, wherein the single value is calculated by theelectronic game.
 43. The system of claim 40, wherein the single value iscalculated by a remote server.